Thursday, april 23, 2015 (new) by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Reps probe Diezani, others over oil wells

National Mirror www.nationalmir roronline .net

Thursday, April 23,

Traders, shoppers laud govt, banks for theft-free market

2015

Kings Colle ge, one of

the oldest

schools on

Lagos Islan

We’ve stepped on toes, says minister

ROTIMI FADEYI AND TORDUE SALEM Tambuwal

Vol. 5 3 N0. 1097 657

he House of Representatives has begun probe of the alleged re-allocation last year and

earlier this year, of oil mining licences by Shell Petroleum Development CorpoCONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

INSIDE

Broad Street in 1951

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Kitchen wares >47

Fashion outlook

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Thursday, April July 4, 23,2013 2015

N150

Xenophobic attack:

N’Assembly seeks recall of envoy

Wants S’Africa to pay compensation

GEORGE OJI, AYO ESAN AND WOLE OLADIMEJI

he Senate has asked the Federal Government to immediately recall the country’s High Commissioner to South Africa for consultations over the xenophobic attacks on immigrants in that country. The Senate also urged the government to file a formal petition before the International Criminal Court at The Hague against the King of Zulu to protest the hate speech made by the mon-

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N373.2bn severance package paid to PHCN workers –FG

P.6

INSIGHT

Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress protesting at the South Africa High Commission against the attack on foreigners in South Africa, in Abuja, yesterday.

I t Intervention ti Funds as public finance drainpipes

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Court strikes out eligibility suit against Buhari P.6

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Boko Haram runs out of arms, ammunition –Escapee Troops swoop on Sambisa Forest, kill commander 1999 Constitution: FG drags N’Assembly to S’Court

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News

Thursday, April 23, 2015

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Boko Haram runs out of arms, ammunition –Escapee INUSA NDAHI AND UBONG UKPONG

emnants of Boko Haram terrorists have run out of arms and ammunition as the military intensifies attack on their hideouts, an escapee and military sources have revealed. This is even as the Director, Defence Information (DDI), Major General Chris Olukolade, confirmed to newsmen in Abuja that ground troops with support from air strikes have stormed Sambisa forest, smoking the terrorists from their hideouts. Although, Olukolade did not disclose whether military troops have succeeded in destroying the terrorists’ camps in the ongoing raid which began yesterday, an escapee from Tabe village in Damboa Local Government Area, who narrowly escaped from the area said “the Boko Haram terrorists have ran out of arms and ammunition as the military intensifies attacks on Sambiza forest.” He said: “You can find more than 500 members of the insurgents with only few of them having rifles and even when one or two of them have rifles, it is just like a stick as they have run out of ammunition, because

the usual supplies they get are not forthcoming. “I am optimistic that the military will succeed by killing many of these sect members who have been terrorising residents in the past three years around the Sambisa forest,” he stated. Another resident of nearby Yamtake village who does not want his name in print told our correspondent that “as a result of the recent aerial bombardment of the Sambiza forest, many of the sect members, including their commanders have fled into the nearby bushes of Yamtake, Tabe and Jangoro villages in Damboa Local Government Area of the state.” He called on the military authorities to come to their aid by mopping up the remnant of the insurgents who fled to those areas before they regroup to unleash terror on innocent villagers again. He said “the Boko Haram terrorists have only bows and arrows, machetes, daggers and other local weapons as they have run out of arms and ammunition and were roaming about in the bushes of the villages along the fringes of the Sambiza forest.” The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday, confirmed that a top Boko Haram Commander, Abu

Mojahid, was among scores of insurgents killed by troops in an offensive at Alagarno, in Borno State. A statement through Maj-Gen. Olukolade, in Abuja, said that large weapons, including anti-air craft guns were either captured or destroyed during the encounter on Tuesday. According to the DHQ, “a notorious top terrorists commander, Abu Mojahid, was among the terrorists that died in their encounter with troops on the outskirt of Alagarno on Tuesday morning. The terrorists had staged a daring attack on troops who were on pa-

trol of the area. “A number of the terrorists died as the troops repelled the attack. Some rocket-propelled grenades as well as vehicle mounted with anti-aircraft guns were either captured or destroyed in the encounter. “Meanwhile, the military operations are continuing in the form of offensive actions on identified terrorists in some forest locations. “Aggressive patrols, mopping up as well as cordon and search are also continuing in other locations in search of weapons and terrorists. “Improvised explosive

devices planted by the terrorists to deter the comprehensive offensive by the advancing troops are also being carefully cleared as troops continue to pursue the fleeing ones. “The operations, especially in forest locations, are progressing in defiance of obstacles and land mines emplaced by the terrorists.” Alagarno forest, which was one of the strongholds of Boko Haram had earlier in April, been captured and taken over by troops, giving the military upper hand in operations around the town and its environs. Meanwhile, a security

source from Bama, one of the recaptured local government areas in Borno State, said Boko Haram has caused a lot of destruction in Bama as corpses were scattered all over the streets, with some dumped in destroyed buildings and wells. “Only few structures are still standing as the terrorists have virtually destroyed all structures in the town. Very soon we are going to the Sambiza forest for mop up operations as we have been directed to clear the Sambisa forest before the May 29 handing over date,” the security source revealed.

L-R: President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari; Iran’s Ambassador, Mr. Seed Koozechi and Deputy Ambassador of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Sa Mortazavi, during their visit to Buhari in Abuja, yesterday.

N’Assembly seeks recall of envoy CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

arch, which precipitated the attacks. In addition, the lawmakers resolved to invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs to appear before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs to brief members on the situation and measures being taken to safeguard the lives and properties of Nigerians in South Africa. These resolutions followed the adoption of the recommendations contained in a motion sponsored by the Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, and co-sponsored by 107 other senators on the, ‘Rising incidence of Xenophobic attacks in South Africa.’ The lawmakers condemned the spate of attacks on immigrants and particularly, Nigerians in South Africa. This was also as the sena-

tors resolved to urge the Federal Government to demand from the government of South Africa that the perpetrators of the evil act be brought to book and ensure adequate protection of Nigerians and their investments as well as compensate families who have lost members and those who have lost property as a result of the attacks. In his lead presentation, the Senate Leader noted the anxiety the wave of attacks in Johannesburg and Durban by locals on African immigrants, which has led to the death of not less than seven persons, massive looting and destruction of foreigners’ properties and forcing of hundreds of migrants to relocate to police stations across the country has generated. The leader also expressed concerns that Nigerians

living in South Africa have been seriously affected by the crises as no fewer than 50 have been reportedly rendered homeless after being displaced by the attacks and about 300 others displaced near Johannesburg. He noted that as at the last count, properties and Nigerian businesses worth millions of naira have been destroyed. Ndoma-Egba said the Senate was worried that Nigerians living in South Africa who have always been targets of such attacks and other foreigners have maintained that immigrants could not really rely on the police for protection because the police rather retreat and extort money from them. The lawmaker recalled that prior to 1994, though immigrants faced discrimination and even violence

in South Africa, much of that risk stemmed from the institutionalised racism of the time which was one of the products of apartheid, noting that after democratisation in 1994, contrary to expectations, the incidence of xenophobia increased such that between 2000 and March, 2008, at least, 67 persons died in what were identified as xenophobic attacks. He stated that the Senate was alarmed that the recent wave of attacks was precipitated by the comments of the renowned Zulu King and that while these barbaric acts were going on, some members of the South African security forces who ought to quell them, protect citizens and prevent the violence from escalating were pictured encouraging the perpetrators to continue the dastardly acts. All the senators who con-

tributed to debate expressed rage at the action of the South Africans against the immigrants as well as the nonchalance of the South African government in quelling the attacks. For instance, in his contributions, Senator Solomon Olarewaju Ganiyu regretted that the sad incidence is coming from a country Nigeria refers to as a brother nation. He blamed it on Nigeria’s foreign policy which makes Africa its cornerstone. He wondered why Nigeria is yet to recall its Ambassador to South Africa as would have been the case if other nationals were involved. “We should have recalled our ambassador in South Africa because this is the way other countries would have reacted,” he said. Senate Deputy Leader,

Senator Abdul Ningi, suggested that Nigeria should have brought a resolution to the African Union for the suspension of South Africa from the body. The lawmaker disclosed that Nigeria has over 20 million Africans living within its borders and that nobody is chasing them away. Senator Helen Esuene, while also condemning the ugly development, blamed the action of the South African youths on the absence of good family orientation and values. She noted that most of the youths in that country were born without proper parenting, noting that, “there are lots of street children in South Africa, who did not have normal family life.” Senator Andy Uba suggested that Nigeria CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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Thursday, April 23, 2015

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Thursday, April 23, 2015

NEWS

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L-R: Head of Public Relations, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Adeniran; Head of Security Operations, Solomon Out; Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kayode Aderanti; Regional Operations Director, Lagos, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Oshinlaja and Police Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Police Force, Lagos Division, Ken Nwosu, during a police car distribution by Airtel in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Vice President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Chief Femi Deru; wife of guest of honour, Mrs. Barbara Kalu; guest of honour, Elder Kalu U. Kalu and ICAN President, Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu, during conferment of ICAN Fellowship on members in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Executive Commissioner, Legal and Enforcement, Securities and Exchange Commission, Saâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;adatu Bello; Acting Director-General, Mounir Gwarzo and Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services, Zakawanu Garuba, during First Quarter Capital Market Committee meeting in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Director, Enterprise Business Team, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Charles Ojei; Public Relations Executive, Ms. Morohunfolu Seton and Corporate & CE Marketing Manager, Mr. Koye Sowemimo, during Mobile West Africa 2015 Conference in Lagos, yesterday.

National News

FG drags NASS to Supreme Court

ment is inviting the apex court to hold that due process was not followed by the lawmakers durment between the executive ing the amendment process. Specifically, the government and the legislature in the is asking the court to deteramendment included items mine whether the proposed limiting the period when examendment to the Constitution penditure can be authorised of the Federal Republic of Niin default of appropriation geria, 1999 (hereinafter referred from six to three months; and provisions for fleeting right to to as the Constitution) by the basic education, primary and National Assembly through maternal care services with- sections 3, 4, 12, 14, 21, 23, 36, 39, out proper clarifications. 40, 43 and 44 of the ConstituPresident Jonathan, had tion of the Federal Republic of also explained, that, in any Nigeria, ((Fourth Alteration) event, the alteration to the Act 2015 (hereinafter referred constitution could only be val- to as The Fourth Alteration id if the proposal was support- Act 2015) which purportedly ed by votes of not less than altered sections 8, 9, 34, 35, 39, 42, four-fifths majority of all the 45, 58, 84, 150, 174 and 211 of the members of each chambers Constitution without compliof the NASS and approved by ance with the requirements of a resolution of the House of section 9(3) of the Constitution Assembly of not less than two- is not unconstitutional, invalid, thirds of all the states in the illegal, null and void? federation as provided by SecThe Federal Government tion 9 (3) of the Constitution. also asked for a declaration The president also said that the proposed amendment there existed no credible evi- through sections 3, 4, 12, 14, 21, dence that the constitutional 23, 36, 39, 40, 43 and 44 of the requirement was met in the Fourth Alteration Act, 2015 votes and proceedings of the which purportedly altered secNational Assembly. tions 8, 9, 34, 35, 39, 42, 45, 58, 84, In the suit already lodged 150, 174 and 211 and passed by at the registry of the Supreme the Defendant without comCourt, the Federal Govern- plying with the mandatory

â&#x20AC;Śseeks to stop amendment of 1999 Constitution

ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

ederal Government has invoked the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to scuttle the ongoing process by the National Assembly to amend the 1999 Constitution. The government is contending that the National Assembly did not comply with the constitutional procedure of altering the constitution before inviting President Goodluck Jonathan to endorse the amendment. In the constitutional suit filed by the Chamber of Bayo Ojo, SAN, the Federal Government is asking the Supreme Court to make pronouncement on relevant provisions of the constitution, including whether the National Assembly could amend the document, without following the procedure as contained in the constitution itself. But the suit may be a wasted effort as section 232 (1) of the constitution, which gave original jurisdiction to the

Supreme Court to entertain cases on its merit as a court of first instance, does not recognise the National Assembly as a proper party to sue or be sued. It would be recalled that the Senate, last February, adopted the final draft of the amendment and urged President Jonathan to give his assent to the bill for the purpose of its application. Significant among the items that scaled the amendment hurdle at the House of Representatives included the creation of constitutional role for traditional rulers; electoral reforms; separating the offices of the AccountantGeneral of the Federation and Accountant-General of the Federal Government; separation of the offices of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; and making aspects of the Constitution relating to the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy in Chapter II, which deal with political, economic, social,

educational and cultural objectives, enforceable and granting state legislatures financial autonomy, among others. But Jonathan declined his assent to the bill. It was reliably learnt that part of his grouse being that NASS arrogated to itself the power to pass any constitution amendment without the assent of the President. He was also said not to be comfortable with aspect capable of eroding presidential powers should he assent to the bill. The aspect allows the National Judicial Council, NJC, to be appointing the Attorney-General of the Federation. He was also said not to be comfortable with the move to separate the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation from that of the Accountant-General of the Federal Government as well as the Attorney-General of the Federation from Minister of Justice. Other areas of disagree-

requirement of section 9(3) and (4) of the said Constitution stipulating passage by at least four-fifths majority of all members of each House specified in sections 48 and 49 is unconstitutional, invalid, illegal, null and void and of no effect whatsoever. In the affidavit in support of the case deposed to by Theophilus Okwute, a legal practitioner in the Chambers of Messrs Bayo Ojo & Co., the plaintiff said that the purported Fourth Alteration Act 2015 was not passed with the mandatory requirement of four-fifths majority of members of the Defendant and the mandatory due processes provided for under the relevant sections of the extant Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended (hereinafter referred to as the Constitution). He said the National Assembly is making moves, with the tacit consent of all the State Houses of Assembly to employ certain provisions of the Constitution to now pass the purported Fourth Alteration Act, 2015 into Law. No date has been fixed for the hearing of the matter.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Reps probe Diezani, others over oil wells CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ration (SPDC) and Chevron under the supervision of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources without due process. The House’s ad hoc committee on the ‘Inadvertent Sales of Oil Mining License 29 and others,’ headed by Hon. Aminu Suleiman (APC-Kano), in a letter to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources on April 3, 2015, asked the ministry headed by Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke and the Department of Petroleum Resources to account for the divestment of 45 per cent of Shell Petroleum Development Corporation’s interest in OML 29 and other OMLs. Oil and gas sector laws stipulate that such a transaction must toe the due process line, and signature bonuses (commission) derived from the business paid to the federation account by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. It is however doubtful if the processes were followed. The committee at the opening of the hearing which was held in camera at the National Assembly Complex today, sought to know, at a scheduled hearing that would round off today, whether the signature bonuses on divestments in 15 oil wells of SPDC and Chevron followed due process. But a document obtained by National Mirror yesterday detailed that 15 oil blocs were allocated to different companies by SPDC and Chevron, with the supervision of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. OML 29 was allocated to Aiteo Oil by SPDC; OML 4 was allocated to Seplat by SPDC; OML 18 was allocated to Eroton by SPDC; OML 24 was allocated to Newcross by SPDC; OML 26 was allocated to AFREN/ FHN by SPDC; OML 27, to Aiteo by SPDC; OML 30 to Shoreline by SPDC; OML34 was allocated to N/western by SPDC; OML 38 was allocated to Seplat by SPDC, OML40 was allocated to Elcrest by SPDC; OML41 was allocated to Seplat by SPDC and OML 42 was also allocated to NECONDE by SPDC. However, OMLs 52, 53 and 55 were allocated to Amni, Seplat and Belema by Chevron. The oil licenses or oil

blocks re-allocated to these companies was done between last year and earlier this year without the consent of the National Assembly as provided in Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution. The House at its plenary on Tuesday, May 27, 2014, passed a motion, calling for the probe of the inadvertent sale of OML29 and others to major oil companies. The House alleged that the transaction breached the laws of the federation. Recall that an ex-Central Bank governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, lost his job for blowing a whistle on alleged non-remittances of proceeds from business transaction in the oil sector. Besides, many oil sector watchers have persisted in calls on the government to operate the sector more transparently. Meanwhile, Alison-Madueke yesterday said she stepped on many toes in the cause of reforming the oil industry. The minister, while speaking with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa said the cabals in the oil industry were not happy that she opened up the industry to Nigerians. According to her, she had been maligned and castigated for her efforts to ensure that the oil industry was brought back to perform optimally in the interest of the nation and all Nigerians. Alison-Madueke said: “We have done enough for this industry; we cannot please everybody. Yes, we have stepped on toes but we did that in the best interest of Nigeria and we have opened up the oil and gas industry to all Nigerians; thousands of Nigerians have benefitted from our reforms in the system. “I have said severally that we will open up the industry to all Nigerians and we have, but that is not to the pleasure of certain cabals and I have been continuously maligned because of this and we have taken millions and in fact billions of dollars out of the hands of multinationals and their subcontractors and put them in the hands of Nigerians through the Nigerian Local Content Act. Hundreds of thousands of Nigerians have come into the oil and gas industry because of our reforms” “I think as unprecedented as it is, it does not please ev-

erybody and that cannot be helped but let us remember the unprecedented reforms that have happened in the oil industry during our time such as major gas reforms, the Petroleum Industry Bill, which has been completely revised, reformed and put into the hands of members of the National Assembly where it has languished for two years,” she added. The minister explained that she has done the best

she could for the country and attained many firsts in the history of oil and gas industry especially in the reforms that had taken place. She denied reports that she was on the run on account of her activities and some actions she had taken while in charge of the petroleum sector, explaining that she had not committed any offence. “Let me state clearly for the records that Nigeria is my

country and I am not going anywhere. I love my country and I do think that I have done the best for my country,” Alison-Madueke said. While speaking on the directive by the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation ( NNPC) should refund about $1.48 billion, Alison-Madueke said the Price Water House Cooper forensic audit carried out few weeks

ago, in its recommendations mentioned that $1.48 billion was owed by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) Limited for a block that had earlier been assigned from the NNPC to NPDC which is its subsidiary. Alison-Madueke, however, denied that she had been meeting with some former Heads of State, including General Abdusalami Abubakar to protect and save her name.

Outgoing Inspector General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba (right) handing over the symbol of authority to the incoming Acting Inspector General, Mr. Solomon Arase, during the handover ceremony at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

N’Assembly seeks recall of envoy CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

should go after the economic interest of South Africans in Nigeria as a way of mounting pressure on the government of that country so that it could see reasons to promptly quell the crises. He suggested, for instance, that, “MTN should be shut down immediately. “Nigeria should stand up against South Africa. Nigerian businesses in South Africa do not amount up to 10 per cent of the money MTN alone makes in Nigeria,” he added. In the House of Representatives, lawmakers demanded that South African government facilitate immediate payment of compensation to Nigerians affected in the attack. Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Abike Dabiri-Erewa made the call while presenting the resolution of the House to the South African Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Lulu Louis Mnguni in his office in Abuja. Dabiri-Erewa said apart from putting an end to the

provocative and barbaric attacks on immigrants, the South African government should compensate survivors so that they can restart life. “It is unfortunate that our first meeting with you is about this xenophobic attacks. We view it with strong condemnation and we want the South African government to expedite action on how to stop this barbaric act against our people. “We also feel that the best thing the government should do is to compensate those victims of the attacks. We are calling on the South African government to compensate Nigerians that are victims of these attacks so that they can have something to fall back on,” she said. She expressed regret that the attacks have undermined the unity, which African Union has fought for over the years. Responding, Louis Mnguni expressed regret over the development, saying that instead of celebrating the strides Nigeria has made

in deepening democracy in Africa, they were discussing hate caused by a few South Africans. He said although, his country has not ruled out compensation, it is presently concentrating on stemming threat to lives caused by the attacks and stabilizing the situation before moving to the next stage. “The issue of compensation has been raised on a number of occasions, but threat to life still remains our concern for now. We want to secure life and livelihood and stabilise the situation,” the ambassador stated. Nigeria foreign ministry also, yesterday, complained to South Africa about the wave of attacks on foreigners and called on Pretoria to punish the culprits while at the same time compensating the victims.. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Musiliu Obanikoro, had summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lulu Mnguni to a meeting. “In the meeting, Am-

bassador Obanikoro condemned the attacks on foreigners in South Africa, expressing concern on the fate of Nigerians and indeed of other nationals who are migrants in the country,” a statement from the foreign affairs ministry stated. South Africa needs to take “concrete steps to quell the unrest and bring the culprits to book” to act as a deterrent and prevent further violence; the South African authorities need to compensate the victims of these attacks,” the statement added. However, soldiers were deployed overnight to tackle gangs hunting down and killing foreigners after at least seven people had died in violence in the last few weeks. On Wednesday, police said 11 men were arrested in a raid in Johannesburg. In a related development, Nigeria’s Consul General in South Africa, Amb. Uche Ajulu-Okeke, said yesterday that eight Nigerians have so far indicated interest to return home due to the xenophobic attacks.

National News

Thursday, April 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PHCN workers, retirees get N373bn in severance package Tola Akinmutimi

ureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, yesterday put the cumulative severance entitlements paid to workers of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, at N373,170,291,200.38, so far. The bureau in a statement issued by its Head, Public Communications, Mr. Chigbo Anichebe, disclosed that 46,744 workers, representing 98 per cent of the 47,913 bona fide staff, benefitted from the severance package. It quoted the National Council on Privatisation, NCP, as commending the implementation committee on the progress made in payment of the severance, pension and gratuity of the affected workers and retirees, adding that the council has directed the bureau to provide it with all information or

documents concerning outstanding active staff and pensioners verification and payments with a view to finalising payments. Director General of the bureau, Mr. Benjamin Dikki, told members of the council at its meeting on April 16 that only 1,169 of the 47,913 workers of PHCN were yet to be paid their entitlements as at the date of the meeting. Dikki was said to have told the meeting that the outstanding number included workers that exited before the severance payment; those being processed for validation; and those yet to be identified by PHCN as bona fide staff, adding that the group was looking into the cases to arrive at a final decision. Based on the briefing, council noted that 2,791 retired staff of the PHCN, representing 65 per cent

of the retirees had been paid N16,414,926,902.38, leaving an outstanding 1,516 retirees who failed to turn up for verification or were still undergoing further verification, or whose next of kin could not produce the necessary court papers. The council directed

that the process of verification and payment of all the outstanding cases should continue until the final resolution of the exercise. This is even as it also noted the case of some PHCN workers in the diaspora, which the committee could not reach in the course of

its assignment and directed that those affected should be encouraged to come to Nigeria for their verification and possible payment. It would be recalled that the implementation committee to supervise the implementation of the agreement reached with the power sector labour

unions in December, 2012 was constituted in March, 2013. The objective was to facilitate the payment of the entitlements of all workers of PHCN and ensure that there are no encumbrances to the handover of the successor companies to the respective investors.

Certificate: Abuja court strikes out case against Buhari Ise-Oluwa Ige ABUJA

Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, yesterday struck out from its docket, two political cases against former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, to truncate his 2015 presidential ambition on account that he had no minimum qualification of Secondary School Certificate to contest the election. Presiding judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola, terminated the cases after Buhari’s accusers, Messrs Chuwemeka Okafor and Max Ozoaka appeared in court yesterday with separate applications to drop the suits against the exhead of state. They argued yesterday that continuing with the cases would distract Buhari from concentrating with the herculean task of governance. But General Buhari, yesterday, insisted that he had the requisite qualifications to contest the election and was ready to do battle with his accusers. An Abuja-based lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), and Dr Chike Amo-

bi, led the legal teams that represented the two plaintiffs, respectively, while a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Akinlolu Olujinmi (SAN), led Buhari’s team yesterday. Justice Ademola, after hearing out both parties, struck out the suits yesterday. National Mirror reports that the plaintiffs had made spirited moves before the presidential election which held March 28 to secure an order stopping General Buhari from participating in the presidential poll, but failed in its bid. The All Progressives Congress, APC, which sponsored Buhari for the presidential election had also raised the alarm at the critical time of the plot by the PDP government to buy an order disqualifying Buhari from contesting even as it warned of dire consequences should such an order issue. The trial judge, Justice Ademola, had however reduced the allegation to a mere baseless rumour when he gave parties long date to exchange processes in the case without stopping Buhari from contesting the presidential poll.

Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Deziani Alison-Madueke, in a parley with State House correspondents after attending the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday.

Lagos demolishes 41 distressed buildings Francis Suberu

o avert more collapsed buildings in Lagos, the government said it has demolished 41 distressed buildings in the metropolis. General Manager of Lagos State Building Control Agency, LABSCA, Mrs. Abimbola Animashaun, disclosed this yesterday at

an annual ministerial press briefing in Lagos. Explaining government’s decision, Animashaun said prompt intervention of the agency to evacuate the occupants’ and pull down the buildings saved lives and properties that would have been lost had the building collapsed on their own. She said: “In the last one year, we received 80 dis-

tressed calls from occupants of distressed buildings, 191 buildings were approved for demolition, while 41 buildings were demolished by the agency in the past 24 months of this establishment. This represents a fair percentage of the 4,099 contravention notices served during the period under review.” She stressed that the buildings were “distressed,

Fuel tanker aflame at Lagos Airport Olusegun Koiki

major disaster was yesterday averted at the ever-busy Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Ikeja, Lagos, when a tanker laden with diesel abruptly caught fire on the airport road. The tanker marked: Lagos MUS 165 XK, belonged to Heizol Petroleum Company. It caught fireat Strabag Bus Stop, between headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, and BiCourtney Aviation Services Limited, BASL, operators of

the Murtala Mohammed Airport Two, MMA2, Lagos. The reason for the fire could not be ascertained at press time, but the fire caused massive gridlock from Ikeja Underbridge to the international wing of the airport. It took the timely intervention of FAAN and BASL fire fighters to unlock the traffic. Officials of Lagos State Transport Management Agency, LASTMA, and the Nigeria Police also intervened to reduce the gridlock on the road as motorists were directed to one lane.

Our correspondent observed that the engine side of the tanker was totally burnt while LASTMA deployed two towing vehicles to the scene to remove the burnt vehicle. Also, BASL in a statement signed by its spokesman, Mr. Remi Ladigbolu, stated that the burnt tanker was conveying diesel from Apapa to an unascertained location in Ogba, when it suddenly burst into flames in front of FAAN headquarters and close to MMA2’s multi-storey car park.

dilapidated and beyond repair. The cost of lives of a collapsed building is huge.” The general manager added: “2,226 buildings were sealed for non-compliance with the building approvals. However, 444 buildings were unsealed after compliance. And at least 10 certificates of ‘completion and fit for habitation’ were issued by the agency.” Also, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Toyin Ayinde, said the state government may incorporate prototype of the Makoko floating school constructed by NLE works, a non-governmental organization, into its development. Ayinde said the government discovered the structure referred to as ‘House On Water’ after undertaking the study of development for the community. According to him, the aim of the government was to enhance the living condition of residents of Makoko community and redevelop the area in line with global standards.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Handover date still May 29, says FG ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

ederal Government yesterday explained that handover date by President Goodluck Jonathan to Presidentelect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), remains May 29. Minister of Informa-

tion, Patricia Akwashiki, while briefing State House Correspondents after the Federal Executive Council, FEC, explained that the May 28 earlier reported as handover date was for ministries and agencies to handover briefs. She, however, said a dinner would still be hosted by Jonathan, stressing that

Buhari may be honoured with an award. Akwashiki further said handover briefs being coordinated by office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation would be submitted by May 28. The Minister said: “In the council today, the discussion still centered on transition. I have to make a

Don’t attack S’African interests, guild tells Nigerians KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

resident, Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, Femi Adesina, yesterday cautioned Nigerians against attacking South African interests in Nigeria as a result of the xenophobic attacks in South Africa, where many Nigerians have lost their lives. The Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of Sun Newspapers gave the admonition while speaking with journalists shortly after he delivered a lecture entitled: ‘Journalism: Yes-

terday, Today and Tomorrow,’ to commemorate the 75th birthday of former Editor-in-chief of Nigerian Tribune and one of the three musketeers of Journalism in the country, Felix Adenaike, at NUJ Press Centre, Ibadan. Adesina, while agreeing that some Nigerians have begun marching to suspected South African companies in the country, stated that it was natural for Nigerians to be angry, but they should not go to the extent of attacking the companies in Nigeria. He enjoined other African countries to do the same.

He, however, said any measure Nigeria and other countries would take against South Africa should be at the diplomatic level, stating that nobody can predict how indiscriminate attacks on South African interests would end. But he described the attack as very sad and carpeted the South African government for seeming nonchalance and snailspeed move to arrest the situation, saying, “Xenophobic attack is very sad, particularly coming from a country the rest of the world teamed up with to rescue it from apartheid.”

little clarification because some people thought I said May 28 will be handover date. I never said that. “I said May 28 will be the last day we will have our handing over briefs by ministries and parastatals. I said 28th of this month to that date has been given to departments and ministries to submit their

handover notes. “I remember somebody asked if there would be no vacuum if there is handover on May 28, and I replied that there would be no handing over on May 28. “Handing over and inauguration will hold on May 29. The President is not handing over power on May 28, but on May 29.

“We have started the transition and it is ongoing. We are submitting our handover notes to the Office of the SGF. “The President is still the President until May 29 when General Buhari takes his oath of office and resumes as President of the Federal Republic,” Akwashiki said.

Akpatason, former NUPENG president, eyes Tambuwal’s seat WOLE OLADIMEJI ABUJA

ember of the House of Representatives from Edo State, Peter Akpatason, yesterday officially expressed interest in contesting any presiding position that may be zoned to the South South region by the All Progressives Congress, APC. The former NUPENG president and a second time member from Akoko Edo federal constituency said it was his desire to run for Speakership. “As a party man, I will

abide by the party’s zoning; I will contest for any presiding position zoned to the South South. “So far, I have consulted widely with my colleagues across the six geo-political zones as well as party leaders in my state and at the national level,” he stated. The lawmaker, who joined other ranking members vying for the position, urged the party to zone any of the presiding positions to the South South in order to reflect equitable distribution of positions at the centre. “I am convinced that

with the kind of responses I am getting from stakeholders, both at the state and national levels, the chances are very bright,” Akpatason said. He stated that beyond the responses, his contributions on the floor and at various committee meetings in the last four years have endeared him to his colleagues. Having led the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas, NUPENG, for eight years without any rancour or crisis, he said this had given him much experience on how to manage people.

South West

5 die mysteriously in Osun Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

ive members of a family in Ila-Odo, a border community at Osogbo/Ilorin road in Odo-Otin Local Governmentof Osun State have reportedly died in mysterious circumstances. According to sources in the town, the deceased were members of Idowu family, and ate same dinner Monday night. They comprise the father, Akanbi Idowu, his second wife, his son and two grand children. Early Tuesday morning, the community awoke to the tragic news of the death of three of the five people that ate same dinner the previous day. Later, same evening, the other two died, fuelling speculation of food poisoning. A member of Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ila Odo, where the deceased worshipped, who preferred anonymity, told National

Mirror: “No one can tell what actually happened. However, I can confirm to you that the deceased all ate from same pot Monday evening. “When we started hearing noise from their compound early Tuesday morning, we all rushed down, but when I got there, three members of the household were already dead. “Two others I met alive were complaining of severe stomach pain and efforts were made by the entire community to save them. They later died by evening.” Three of the deceased, the father, his second wife and son, who died early Tuesday, were buried in the evening of same day, while the two grand children that died in the evening were buried yesterday. Efforts to get reactions of Osun Ministry of Health to the development proved futile, as calls to the information officer of the ministry did not go through.

Thursday, April 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Why Ondo gov wants to impeach deputy —Borrofice • Says some lawmakers’ signatures forged

George Oji ABUJA

enator representing Ondo North district, Robert Borrofice, has revealed that Governor Olusegun Mimiko was behind the move by the House of Assembly to impeach his deputy governor, Ali Olanusi. Borrofice told National Mirror that the governor’s main grouse for seeking to remove his deputy was because the people of Akoko, where the deputy governor hails, voted massively for the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, in the last general election. “I think the governor wants his deputy out because he is angry with Akoko people for voting for APC and it is really unfortunate. I believe the truth will pre-

vail,” the lawmaker told National Mirror. Borrofice also claimed that some of the signatures of members of the House of Assembly, who purportedly signed for impeachment of the deputy governor, were forged and superimposed in the impeachment document. “I learnt that of the 20 signatories, some were forged, some were imposed on the documents; they were not signed by members of the Assembly. I hope eventually some of the affected members of the House will come out to dissociate themselves from this shameful act,” the lawmaker said. The Assembly on Tuesday served impeachment notice on Olanusi for alleged gross misconduct. At its plenary, it leveled seven allegations against the deputy governor who defect-

ed from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to APC 48 hours before the 2015 general election. The impeachment notice was signed by 20 of the 26 members of the House. The deputy governor, among other reasons, was accused of condoning and perpetuating fraudulent activities, false allegation against the governor, absenteeism and truancy from official assignments and engagements. Reacting to the allegations, Borrofice said, “I think the action that Governor Mimiko is taking now is an act of desperation to hit back at Akoko people who voted massively for APC in the last general election, which is unfortunate. But I know he who sows the wind will reap the whirlwind. “ I am surprised at the al-

legations against the deputy governor. Don’t forget that I was in Labour Party, LP. We knew right from the inception that this man had been completely marginalised; he was not given any responsibility. So, how can you then accuse him of misappropriating funds? “As a deputy governor, you may say some funds are allocated to his office where you may likely have a permanent secretary and an accountant, and I don’t think he signs cheques himself. “The issue of health is again being mischievous. Any civil servant with health issues takes leave to go and treat himself within or outside the country. Health issue can only be used against a public officer if absent from duties continuously for six months and unable to perform his duties.

$330,000 scam: I witnessed transaction —Prison officer Matthew Irinoye

ustice Lateef LawalAkapo of Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, was yesterday informed by a prison officer, ACP Abdullai Garba, that he witnessed the $330,000 transaction between General Ishaya Bamaiyi, a court registrar, Ms Idowu Rosulu, and Fred Ajudua. Garba, who was testifying before the trial judge, recalled that the defendant (Rosulu) visited Bamaiyi and Ajudua in prison three times between October and November 2004. While being cross-examined by counsel to the defendant, Bamidele Ogundele, the witness claimed he was present when money exchanged hands among Bamaiyi, Ajudua and Rosulu. “I was present when Rosulu visited the prison three times in 2004, specifically on October 23, and November 6 and 20. “On the third occasion when she visited Bamaiyi, she was accompanied by Ade Bendel and one Jonathan. I was present when the money was brought in a ‘Ghana must go’ bag, and

I saw 30 bundles of $10,000 notes, which totalled $330,000,” he said. Garba, however, revealed that contrary to prison rules that required any cash brought in by inmates to be duly recorded, the $330,000 did not pass through the prison records. “As a prison official, I asked what the money was meant for and Bamaiyi replied that it was meant for legal fees.” He also added that there was however no written evidence that Rosulu (defendant) visited Bamaiyi and Ajudua in prison. “I can recognise the defendant because she visited Bamaiyi thrice in the prison. Though people intending to visit special inmates like Bamaiyi are required to write applications and submit their passport photographs to be intensively verified before allowed access, Rosulu somehow used the influence of Ajudua to visit Bamaiyi,” he said. Justice Akapo however pointed out the need for the matter to be expeditiously concluded and subsequently adjourned till May 11 for continuation of trial.

L-R: President, Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mr. Femi Adesina; Ota Olubadan, Oloye Lekan Alabi and former Managing Director, Nigeria Tribune, Mr. Felix Adenaike, during a lecture to mark his 75th birthday in Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Ebola cost Lagos hospitality industry N8bn —Govt Francis Suberu

agos State government has said that hotels operating in the state lost N8 billion during the onset of Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, in 2014. Commissioner for Tourism and Inter-governmental Relations, Oladisun Holloway, made the revelation at the annual ministerial press briefing in Lagos.

He said the figure was restricted to just 3,200 hotels registered by the Lagos government. He said hotels operating in Lagos make as much as N46 billion every year, adding that the hotels contribute the highest percentage of tourism earning in the state. While stressing the importance of registration, he said during ebola outbreak, things became extremely difficult for the

hotels, adding that the state government was able to meet with the registered ones to evolve strategies to keep the scourge at bay. Speaking on the Lagos Carnival, the commissioner said there would be no major acts this year, for security reasons. He said last year some invited guests were overly excited as a result of the major acts featured in the festival and acknowledged that several people were

injured while properties were destroyed. He said only 3,000 security details attended to about 1.2 million people that attended the event. On grading hotels in the state, he said it was not true that the last classification was characterised by controversy, as it is standard practice to announce only hotels graded 5 to 3 and that those that did not do well are usually not announced.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Kings College, one of the oldest schools on Lagos Island

INSIDE

Broad Street in 1951

Kitchen wares >10

>47

Fashion outlook

>47

Broad Street Diary

Thursday, April 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Broad Street, Lagos in 1951

Broad Street, Lagos in 2015

Old and new faces of Broad Street

...the architectural transformation O

ver the years, Broad Street, Lagos has metamorphosed from its old relics, to new architectural master piece, thus parading monumental edifices of sort. Long before the advent of the colonial masters, some structural edifices on the street, perhaps with the exception of a few, were more or less colonial relics. But the turn of event became better, when the whites came to settle in Marina area due to its vantage position of facing the lagoon. Since then, Broad Street has transformed into a sprawling street of sort, where commercial activities take place day and night, making it as one of the busiest cities in the country Being the headquarters of many colonial establishments, Broad Street till today, has some of the best architectural buildings like CMS Bookshop built in 1869, the Magistrate Court in 1925, the Baptist Academy founded in 1855 by a Baptist Missionary, J.M Harden as well as Tinubu Methodist Church among

BROAD STREET IS REGARDED AS THE WINDOW TO MIRROR LAGOS ISLAND, WHICH HAS A RICH HISTORY LIKE THE MARINA, WHERE THE WHITE SETTLERS LIVED others. Reacting on the transformation of the Broad Street, Architect Omion Emmanuel of Xtra Inputs Limited, Lagos told National Mirror that as things are changing with time, the design of structures also changes, noting that the aesthetic nature of the area has made the population of men and women in the area to grow day and night According to his statement, ‘’as technology, economy and aesthetics continue to grow, our cities and houses continue to modernise, resulting in the development of Broad Street’’, he stated. Emmanuel also explained that non-avail-

ability of land led to the eventual use of available lands to construct high-rise buildings and monuments. ‘’The growing population amid quest for aesthetic designs also played major roles in the transformation of Broad Street to be in tandem with other notable global cities like Broad Streets of London and New York Wall Street among others’’, he stated while noting that the Street like in other countries, has become the hub of commercial activities. Also, Architect Tajudeen Olamilekan of Taolerg Nigeria Limited told National Mirror on phone that Nigerian architects have been part of the recent structural designs of

some buildings on the street, stressing that they took over from the colonial masters in terms of designs and constructions. He however listed some problems of modern high-rise buildings to include poor structural designs and mixture of building materials, saying Nigerians architects and building contractors could do well with the right materials and mixtures. Broad Street is regarded as the window to mirror Lagos Island, which has a rich history like the Marina, where the white settlers lived. Indeed, right from the colonial era, Broad Street was designed to be the commercial hub. However, the traffic in Broad Street station grows at a phenomenal rate on daily basis. Some commercial buses load on the major street, thus causing traffic jams along the road. The traffic management officers are trying, but more need to be done to arrest the situation. Some drivers said, the traffic gets worse on the street from 5 pm on daily basis.

Sylva Emeka-Okereke

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Thursday, April 23, 2015

‘Cause of Ondo mysterious deaths out soon’ Marcus Fatunmole and Joel Ajayi

The remains of a burnt tanker at MMA2 Lagos being towed away, yesterday.

PHOTO: SEGUN KOIKI

Lagos rakes in N27bn from land transactions

agos State government on Wednesday said it raked in N27,054,031,674 from land transactions in 2014. Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, gave the figure at the 2015 ministerial press briefing in Ikeja. He said the figure was higher than the N18.65 billion recorded in 2013. Muri-Okunola said the revenue of the bureau would continue to improve the moment new schemes were brought on board. The permanent secretary said N2,864, 500,377 was paid as compensation for acquisition of land for

development purposes in 2014. He said N541, 470, 062 was paid to Epe Local Government for land acquired for Lekki Free Trade Zone, while another community, Toga, got N13,642,862 for land acquired for small scale industrial estate. According to the permanent secretary, N18, 000, 000 was paid for land acquired to construct Jubilee Estate in Odoragunshi, Epe. Muri-Okunola added that N30, 300,667 was paid for land used for the building of a forensic laboratory in Badagry, while N370, 448, 077 was paid for construction of Dan-

gote Refinery, Magbon. He also said that owners of an agroland in Igbonla were paid N40, 000, 000 as compensation. He listed families who were paid N334, 480,000 in Okokomaiko as compensation. Reeling out other figures, Muri-Okunola said no fewer than 1,767 Certificates of Occupancy were processed in the last one year out of the 2,802 applications received, adding that six title revocations on land were carried out in the last one year to pave way for development projects. He gave some of the lands affected as those behind General Hospi-

tal at Ajeromi Ifelodun General Hospital and land at Isalegangan, Lagos Island, adding that government was committed to improved land administration services and the bureau had been strengthened to achieve the goal.

Lagos restates commitment to quality education Tunbosun Ogundare

L Fashola

50 nabbed for illegal power connection in Osun Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

anagement of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, yesterday said no fewer than 50 people have been arrested at different locations within Osogbo business hub in the last five months. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting organised by IBEDC at NUJ Press Centre, Iwo road, Osogbo, Business Manager of Osogbo business hub, Mr. Ajijola Oluwa Bewaji, said tapping of electricity has been the major obstacle preventing the company from meeting its target of regular electricity. Though he did not mention names, Bewaji said

Aregbesola

many of the culprits were important personalities and community leaders, describing the situation as worrisome. He, however, warned against such act, adding that the company would not hesitate to drag anyone apprehended by-passing electricity before the court for prosecution, regardless of his status.

“In the last five months within Osogbo business hub, we apprehended over 50 people, who connected power illegally. They usually do this between 1am and 2am, using long poles to connect and disconnect at 5am. We are trying to stop this and anyone arrested henceforth would be prosecuted,” Bewaji said. “The irony of this is that many big men in the state, who are in the habit of not paying their electricity bills, are involved. Their action is inimical to our company’s overall interest of giving quality service to people of the state. “IBEDC is determined to give quality service to the people of Osun State

he cause of recent strange disease and deaths in Ode-Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State will soon be out, Governor Olusegun Mimiko assured yesterday. Mimiko gave the assurance yesterday when speaking with journalists in Abuja shortly after he received a letter of recognition presented to him by the National Universities Commission, NUC, on the proposed Ondo State University of Medical Science. He said what had been largely described as mysterious disease was not an epidemic as was initially assumed. The governor said: “Let me tell you, what we have discovered and what we are yet to discover. Number one, we have discovered that the cause of the death is neither infection

nor contagious. That gives comfort that it is not an epidemic outbreak. “What we suspect, based on epidemiological finding yet to be confirmed by toxicological test, is the fact that the deaths were caused by ethanol, we will confirm that when we get the result of toxicological test. “But, I tell you based on fact and information that we have, we have started sensitisation of our people, especially those indulge in local breweries perhaps, most likely some locally brewed products in circulation in some local governments that is actually menthol. “But in the next few days we will get our hands squarely on it, as I told you, no new death recorded; and we are getting on top of it,” he assured. Meanwhile, Mimiko also thanked the NUC leadership for the confidence reposed on the state by giving the letter of recognition on the university.

and it can only be done by all stakeholders contributing their quota to make the company succeed,” he said. Also speaking, the company’s Head of Litigation Management, Mr. Shakede Dimowo, warned the company’s staffers who collude with those stealing energy to desist or face the full weight of the law. The company’s Zonal Branding and Communication Officer, Kike Owoeye, while addressing the gathering, said the essence of the stakeholders’ forum was to get feedback from customers on how to improve its services, assuring that the company was ready to serve the people better.

agos State government has reaffirmed its commitment to provide quality education at all levels for residents. Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, reassured people of the state yesterday at the final stage of this year’s annual Spelling Bee competition among pupils in public primary schools in the state. It was held within the state’s secretariat at Alausa, Ikeja, with a 12-year-old Boluwatife Tijani from Araromi Primary School, OrileAgege emerging overall best in the edition, which was 15th in the series. Boluwatife was rewarded with a medal, N150,000 and a trophy for her effort, while the first and second runners-up, Jonathan Awobodu and Iretiola Ifaniyi also went home with a medal, N100,000/N75,000 and a trophy, respectively. However, the commissioner pointed out that the state government would not relent in providing quality facilities such as classrooms and science laboratories as

well as instructional materials in schools and make them conducive for both learning and teaching. She noted that government was not concerned only about public schools, but also about the private sector, saying that has been the reason for establishment of the Office of Education Quality Assurance as an agency in the state. Speaking earlier, Director-General of the agency, Mrs. Ronke Soyombo, said it was only sound education system that could produce quality products that would in turn render quality service for the progress of the society. She added that with the quality assurance in place, Lagos State students are bound to improve by the day in their performances in public examinations and other areas of endeavours. While congratulating the top three contestants in the Spelling Bee competition for their exemplary performance, she urged them as well as their mates across the state to give their studies a deserved attention so as to achieve their aspirations for life.

South East

Thursday, April 23, 2015

61 EBSU staff dismissed over misconduct …131 students expelled

Aliuna Godwin ABAKALIKI

o fewer than 61 staff members of Ebonyi State University, EBSU, have been dismissed following alleged misconduct and other offenses, just as 131 students of the university were also expelled. Vice Chancellor of EBSU, Prof Francis Idike, who disclosed this to journalists in a press briefing to mark the 4-6 convocation of the varsity, explained that students and staff of the university

Elechi

were sanctioned between 2010/2011 and 2013/2014 sessions. Idike said even as the school had recorded appreciable improvement in infrastructure, academic

standards, and accreditation of its departments, they still contend with poor funding. However, he said they had subscribed between March 2014 and February 2018 to Research Africa (Research Professional Africa Platform), noting that by November 2014 583 academic staff had fully registered with the platform, while 559 staff became members of working groups. He said 18 of the 20 programmes presented to the National Universities Commission, NUC, had

been accredited. The vice chancellor said 70 academic staff had completed Masters or Bench Work or PhD programmes under TETFund sponsorship. “The university is, in addition, enjoying robust state government overseas scholarship scheme. Between 2010 and now, 68 staff of the university have benefited from TETFund-sponsored participation in international, national and local conferences, workshops and short term training,” he stated.

Protest by Ukwa-Ngwa youths of Abia State demanding immediate release of April 11 governorship election from INEC and the immediate sack of the state’s REC, Prof. Selina Oko, recently.

PDP demands cancellation of Imo polls Chris Njoku OWERRI

eoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday called for outright cancellation of the April 11 governorship and House of Assembly elections in Imo State. Addressing newsmen yesterday at its campaign office in Owerri, state party chairman, Nnamdi Anyaehie, said the demand was based on what he described as monumental fraud by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, before, during, and after the elections. He said: “There was a discovery of massive fraudulent manipulation by INEC officials, particularly during the state and

Jega

governorship elections.” The chairman outlined some of the observed key areas where officials of INEC were accused of fraud to include distribution of card readers to PDP strongholds, while manual accreditation was used in other areas. He also claimed that INEC officials were offered between N1 million and N75 million by the state government at Gov-

ernment House, Owerri, which resulted in the falsification of results at INEC office, inconsistency of INEC officials, among others. “In spite of complaints to INEC by the party (PDP), INEC still accepted the results,” he lamented. On whether PDP would boycott the re-run election, the chairman said it was an issue party members would meet and take a decision on. The chairman maintained that the party is ever ready for any election and would always emerge victorious if conducted freely and fairly. In another development, some staff of INEC were yesterday arrested by the State Security Service, SSS for allegedly falsifying already collated

and declared results of some members-elect of PDP. It was gathered that the security agency acted on a tipoff that result sheets of the recently held elections were being mutilated and signed as true certified copies. National Mirror learnt one of the staff (name withheld) who doctored the result sheets brought them to administrative department where the copies were signed as true copies, is now at large. In an interview on Tuesday, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Dr. Gabriel Ada, told National Mirror that any staff found guilty of the offence would be made to face the music even if he were his personal staff.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Anambra monarchs eulogise Chukwumerije

…say his contribution to nation massive

nambra Central Traditional Rulers’ Council has extolled the virtues of the late Senator Uche Chukwumerije, saying he contributed to the nation’s socio-political development for six decades. Chairman of the council, Igwe Chukwuemeka Ilouno, made the remark yesterday. “We (monarchs) have known Chukwumerije as one of the few Nigerians anyone can count on his words,’’ Ilouno said, adding that Chukwumereije was a fine gentleman, a devoted Christian and a lover of people who stood for the development of society. The monarch said the late educationist and legislator devoted the best part of his adult years to the service of the nation and propagation of truth. “Nigeria has lost one of her most illustrious sons. “Sen. Uche Chukwumerije has not only been around for the past six decades, but also contributed immensely to the growth and development of the country. “He was a principled man whose no was no, and yes was yes,” he told News

Agency of Nigeria, NAN, recounting how he knew the deceased. “A man that will always stand by what he believes in and never gets involved in any shady deals, both in his public and private life. “As a Federal Minister of Information under retired Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s regime, he did his best to ensure that government programmes were widely carried out.’’ On his enormous contribution to the cause of the development of the SouthEast and South-South, Ilouno said that “a great iroko (tree) has fallen. “His immeasurable role during the Nigeria/Biafra war cannot be forgotten in a hurry. “He worked tirelessly for the Igbo nation, especially under the umbrella of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. “As a senator, he did not only perform creditably well but ensured that the Igbo Agenda was never swept under the carpet at any given time,” he said. Ilouno prayed that God will grant his gentle soul eternal rest and give his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Anambra FRSC arrests 29 fake vehicle licence holders

ederal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Awka Sector Command, says it arrested 29 motorists in possession of fake vehicle licences in Anambra State. Sector Commander, Sunday Ajayi, disclosed this in an interview yesterday with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Awka. Ajayi said the arrests were made in the last one week, adding that the command had embarked on a special operation code-named ‘Operation Eagle-Eye.’ According to him, the operation is aimed at apprehending motorists whose number plates and vehicle licences were not compliant with FRSC regulations, adding that such offenders would be prosecuted. He urged vehicle owners to procure their licences and number plates from legitimate authori-

ties, as they were designed to enhance security in the society. Ajayi said improper registration of vehicles had posed security threat on the nation’s highways and warned that the commission was out to check the trend. “The operation has started in Anambra and within one week we arrested about 29 violators of licence compliance. However, I must remind motorists that these documents are security documents that must pass through the formal processes. “When procured, the motoring public should ensure that they are uploaded into the FRSC database,” he said. The sector commander advised motorists not to patronise touts but go to the nearest vehicle licencing authority to them and obtain genuine vehicle documents.

Thursday, April 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Agenda for Buhari’s government: The war against corruption

n one of its recent survey, Transparency International, TI, ranked Nigeria the 34th most corrupt nation out of the 177 countries studied in the world. In 2012, Nigeria was ranked as the 36th most corrupt nation among the less than 170 countries studied. The survey gave Nigeria as an example of countries where oil resources were only available to very small elite. TI’s lead researcher, Finn Heinrich to AFP in an interview: “Corruption hurts the poor most. That’s what you see when you look at the countries at the bottom. Within those countries, it’s also poor people who get hurt the most. These countries will never get out of the poverty trap if they don’t tackle corruption.” Most Nigerian electorate believes that General Muhammadu Buhari has the capabilities to fight corruption. His first stint in governance as a military dictator between 1983 and 1985 was still fresh in the memory of most Nigerians particularly, his ‘War Against Indiscipline,’ WAI, programme. He has remained largely one Nigerian seen to have lived and professed frugality, a quality that made him the beautiful bride and ultimately endeared him to the electorate.

In a matter of weeks, a new government headed by General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) will be inaugurated and most Nigerians are looking forward to it with great expectations. Top on the list of Nigerians’ expectations is the need to tackle the ills of corruption among others. OBIORA IFOH, GEORGE OJI, ROTIMI FADEYI and UBONG UKPONG give a clear diagnosis on how corruption can be tamed, if indeed the government intends to walk its talk.

How Buhari intends to fight corruption Buhari has repeatedly assured Nigerians that he will have zero tolerance for corruption, saying: “No matter how vast our resources, if they are not efficiently utilised, they will only benefit a privileged few, leaving the majority in poverty. I believe if Nigeria does not kill corruption; corruption will kill Nigeria.” Shortly after he emerged victorious at the March 28 presidential election, he pledged to “publicly declare his assets and liabilities and encourage his political appointees to also publicly declare their assets and liabilities.” He said”: “Affirm that our strategy for tackling corruption will not only focus on punishment. Rather, it will also provide incentives for disclosure and transparency. “Show personal leadership in the war against corruption and also hold all the people who work with me to account. “Inaugurate the National Council on Procurement as stipulated in the Procurement Act so that the Federal Executive Council, which has been turned to a weekly session of contract bazaar, will concentrate on its principal function of policy making. Review and implement audit recommendations by Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI. “Work with the National Assembly towards the immediate enactment of a Whistle Blower Act and to strengthen the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, by guaranteeing institutional autonomy including financial and prosecutorial independence and security of tenure of officials. “Make the Financial Intelligence Unit, FIU, an autonomous and operational agency. Encourage proactive disclosure of information by government institutions in the spirit of the Freedom of Information Act. “Ensure all MDAs regularly comply with their accountability responsibilities to Nigerians through the National Assembly. Work with the leadership of the National Assembly to cut down the cost of governance as well as present a National Anti-corruption Strategy.”

Jonathan

Buhari

MOST NIGERIAN ELECTORATE BELIEVES THAT GENERAL MUHAMMADU BUHARI HAS THE CAPABILITIES TO FIGHT

CORRUPTION.

HIS FIRST STINT

IN GOVERNANCE AS A MILITARY DICTATOR BETWEEN AND

1983

1985 WAS STILL FRESH IN MEMORY

Corruption in the oil sector However, in spite of these strategies put forward by the in-coming administration, many Nigerians have called on the President-elect, General Buhari to conduct thorough investigations into the oil industry regarded as the mainstay of the nation’s economy. Since Nigeria is one of the largest oil producer in Africa and among the world’s top five exporters of Liquified Natural Gas, LNG, the contention is that the country needs the proceeds from the sale of oil to have a stronger

economy, steady development and progress as a nation. Although there are no fixed yearly earnings by the country from the sale of crude oil, the total year-to-date, YDT, earnings of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, from sale of crude oil in the first seven months of 2013 was put at $20,907,063,959.35. The figure was contained in a presentation made by the NNPC to the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum (Upstream) on crude oil production and sales during the period. NNPC had disclosed that the total earnings do not include earnings from petroleum profit tax for Joint Venture, JV, operations paid directly to the Federal Inland Revenue Services, FIRS. However, there are allegations of fraudulent practices in the oil industry, a situation that has been responsible for the dwindling revenue from oil sales and poor economy. Former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and now Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, had last year raised alarm that $20 billion oil revenue was missing. NNPC denied Sanusi’s claim after which he was suspended as CBN governor by President Goodluck Jonathan on February 20, last year, although the Federal Government explained that the suspension had nothing to do with the allegations of missing $20 billion, but rather that CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Politics

Thursday, April 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Agenda for Buhari’s government: CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 it had to do with discoveries that Sanusi’s tenure as CBN governor had been characterised by acts of financial recklessness and misconduct. A statement by Special Adviser on Media to the President, Rueben Abati said: “Having taken special notice of reports of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria and other investigating bodies, which indicate clearly that Mallam Sanusi’s tenure has been characterised by various acts of financial recklessness and misconduct which are inconsistent with the administration’s vision of a CBN propelled by the core values of focused economic management, prudence, transparency and financial discipline. “Being also deeply concerned about far-reaching irregularities under Mallam Sanusi’s watch which have distracted the Central Bank away from the pursuit and achievement of its statutory mandate; and being determined to urgently re-position the CBN for greater efficiency, respect for due process and accountability, President Jonathan has ordered the immediate suspension of Mallam Sanusi from office as governor of the CBN.” There had also been allegations of fraud in the payment of oil subsidy to oil marketers as well as oil theft running to billions of naira at the detriment of the nation’s economy. The National Assembly, after an investigation into the mismanagement and theft by top officials involved in the subsidy, said the nation lost about $6.8 billion in three years through these shady deals. Buhari had vowed during his electioneering campaign to wage total war against corruption in the country and the oil sector, where the nation realises the bulk of its revenue, would certainly be an area to focus the searchlight.

Reduction in government agencies and parastatals Another area that has generated controversy and which has encouraged large scale corruption is the huge cost of governance and the gross inefficiency in many government agencies and parastatals. Most of these agencies are carrying out similar functions while others have become conduit pipe to siphon public funds for personal use. The in-coming Buhari administration in its promise to fight corruption must visit the Steve Oronsaye report to cut down the cost of governance and reduce corruption in government agencies and parastatals. In a bid to address the huge cost of governance, it would be recalled that President Jonathan inaugurated the Oronsaye Committee on Rationalisation of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies on August 18, 2011 to review the mandates and relevance of government agencies. The Oronsaye Committee submitted its report on April 16, 2012, and specifically mentioned the case of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, which it said should not be in existence. It said: “One case that stands out clearly

Oronsaye

Auta

THE IN-COMING BUHARI ADMINISTRATION IN ITS PROMISE TO FIGHT CORRUPTION MUST VISIT THE

STEVE

ORONSAYE REPORT in this regard is that of the FRSC, which should not be in existence in its present form.” While recommending its scrapping, the committee noted that what the FRSC was set up to do was a replication of the mandates of two existing bodies namely: the Highway Department of the Federal Ministry of Works with respect to the maintenance of safety and orderliness on the highways and the role of the Nigeria Police Force in ensuring law and order on the roads. The committee said the setting up of the FRSC to take over partially the functions already apportioned by law to the Federal Ministry of Works and the Nigeria Police Force as a result of seeming poor performance and/or to satisfy political and individual interests was a typical example of misadventure in the public sector at a great cost to government. Similarly, the committee noted that the functions of the EFCC and the ICPC were the traditional functions of the police. It also noted that an institution that was inefficient and ineffective should not be a basis for the creation of new ones by government, saying that the officers and men of the police had been reputed for performing exceptionally and winning laurels while on international peace-keeping and other missions. It also noted the case where the Nigerian Communications Satellite, NigComSat Limited, established as the commercial arm of the Nigerian Space Research Development Agency, NASRDA, with a sunset clause, had now expanded its scope and now in rivalry with its parent body. The committee also noted the case of

the Nigerian broadcasting agencies, Nigerian television Authority, NTA; Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, and Voice of Nigeria, VON, which it said focused more on structures rather than acquisition of broadcasting software. It stressed that the world over, countries had made efforts to manage the agencies responsible for their mass media communication by establishing and taking advantage of a single coordinating point. Such reforms in the media sector have been underpinned by the efficient use of resources and collaboration in order to have synergy amongst the operators. In the Environment sector, the Committee noted that the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, was created to perform a function already assigned by law to the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, adding: “Besides being a clear case of latter-day overlapping functions of agencies, the continued existence of NOSDRA is tantamount to paying huge salaries to persons who do nothing but wait for spills to occur. “This is despite the fact that there is a standard operating procedure for oil companies in Nigeria to clean up oil spill whenever it occurs.” The committee noted that three different agencies in the education sector: the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, the Nomadic Education Commission, NEC, and the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, NCMLA, all perform functions related to the provision of basic education.

Merger of EFCC/ICPC Already, the President-elect has indicated intention of merging the two anti corruption agencies, the EFCC and the ICPC to make for a more effective way of fighting corruption once he assumes office fully. The idea to merge the two agencies incidentally was also part of the recommendations of the Oronsanye Commission, which looked into the possibility of merging some existing government parastatals and agencies as a way of reducing the high cost of governance in the country. Coincidentally, the two anti corruption agencies were established by the regime of the former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2000. But while the EFCC was set up to investigate and enforce all laws against

economic and financial rimes, ICPC on the other hand, was established to prohibit and prescribe punishment for corrupt practices and other related offences. In the case of EFCC, some of the financial crimes the commission was established to fight against are advanced fee fraud, money laundering, counterfeiting, illegal charge transfer, futures market fraud, fraudulent encashment of negotiable instruments of fraudulent diversion of funds, computer credit card funds, contract scam, forgery of financial instruments, issuance of dud cheques etc. On the other hand, the ICPC was set up to, amongst other functions receive and investigate complaints from members of the public on allegation of corrupt practices and in appropriate cases, prosecute the offenders, to examine the practice, systems and procedures of public bodies and where such systems aid corruption to direct and supervise their reviews, as well as to instruct, advise and assist any officer, agency or parastatal on ways by which fraud or corruption may be eliminated or minimized by them. It is believed that Buhari’s intention of merging the two anti-corruption agencies is to make for a more effective way of combating corruption, which incidentally is one of the major reasons why he was voted into office by Nigerians. While in office, President Jonathan was roundly criticised for allowing corruption to thrive in the country by not going after corrupt Nigerians, particularly the President’s aides and political appointees. Even though the President claimed that he was quietly fighting corruption, those claims could not be matched with the reality on the ground. For instance, there was no record of any key government official or political aide who was prosecuted for any major financial crime. This was as the powers of the anti corruption agencies, particularly; the EFCC was seen to have been greatly whittled down by subjecting the commission to the control of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice. If Buhari succeeds in merging the two anti corruption agencies, observers believe that it will enable the in-coming President the opportunity to appoint the right kind of person who will support his drive to fight corruption in a country that has been negatively reputed globally for condoning corruption in all facets of the nation’s lives.

Role of NASS in the fight against corruption The success or failure of the in-coming President to combat corruption, particularly under this current democratic dispensation, depends greatly on the support and cooperation of the National Assembly. Buhari will need the cooperation of the National Assembly to pass the necessary laws that will assist him in his determined drive to go against all corrupt persons in the country. Unlike the military era, where Heads of State could assume all manners of powers to govern the country, under the current dispensation, the parliament has a serious role in regulating the amount of powers

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Politics

Thursday, April 23, 2015

The war against corruption

Larmode

Femi-Kayode

the President will wield. This is where the in-coming President will need the cooperation of the lawmakers. The very important thing for Buhari, is that his party, the All progressives Congress, APC, which will form the central government already controls the majority of the members at the National Assembly. With this development, it is expected that he will deploy this factor into full advantage in his fight against corruption. For instance, it is expected that one of the first executive bills to be forwarded to the National Assembly as the new administration takes off is a bill seeking to merge EFCC and ICPC. This is because, despite the avowal and intention by Buhari to merge the two agencies, he must secure the nod of the parliament before he can implement such a policy. The same also applies to other major steps the incoming President plans to take in the execution of his anti corruption policies and programmes.

He named prisons and police personnel, lawyers, government agencies and “my colleague judges, who are not ready to do their job,” as being responsible for the delays. Noting that while some judicial officers “farmed out” cases, some lawyers too preferred to go after fast money-making contracts to preparing their briefs, Auta added: “Instances abound where a lawyer will attend court unprepared and such a lawyer goes through the motion asking the court for adjournment upon adjournment. “Some judges are looking for the slightest opportunity to avoid sitting.” Speaker of the House, Aminu Tambuwal, while aligning himself with the need for judicial reform, said: “Our criminal procedure has remained largely old and unresponsive to the quick dispensation of justice.” Tambuwal noted that the slow growth of the Nigerian economy could be tied to the ineffective justice system, arguing that investors would not risk their money in a system that could not guarantee them justice in times of litigation. It is therefore believed that the judiciary if taken advantage of the wind of change in the horizon can greatly assist the new government to fight corruption through sanitization of the system. Corrupt judges must be shown the way and quick dispensation of cases promoted.

for Budget Monitoring and Price Intelligence Unit of the Federal Government, is all about public procurement reforms in the country. Before its inception during the administration of former President Obasanjo, government businesses were done in nontransparent and non-accountable ways, which was the basis of massive fraud and looting of public treasury. However, in an effort to check the menace, the Obasanjo-led government introduced contract due process, with the strong woman, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili, as the head of that unit Ezekwesili turned things around in the business of governance, ensuring that there was proper financial intelligence and budget implementation to prevent loss of revenue. She was found to have prosecuted this diligently, which eventually did not go down well with those who were used to doing business as usual in government and stealing public fund without prosecuting the jobs properly, hence they moved against her, ensuring her exit. Gladly, she has kept her head high as an expert and politician cum activist, and has been seen around the APC, fighting for change, which gives hope that she might give life to due process, even in a higher and better pedestal in the incoming administration if she is considered. However, this is food-for-thought for the President-elect, who must consider due process as cardinal priority to ensure prudence in government’s businesses and financial affairs. Although this was established since 2001, evidence shows that since Ezekwesili left the scene, due process went into comatose and it has been business as usual again. Due process, it is noted, was meant to check the flagrant abuse of procedures for award of public contracts, inflation of contract costs, lack of transparency, competence-based competition and merit as the fundamental criteria for award of public contracts. It has been advised that Buhari would need this unit as part of his administration and place a very competent hand as the head, if there must be change in handling public businesses.

Due process in contracts award as anti-fraud tool

Revenue generating agencies and self-pay policy

Ways judiciary can help to curb corruption Former Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, identified corruption as the single most important factor delaying criminal justice administration in the country. Auta stated that sleaze in the system cut across judicial officers, police, lawyers, prisons officials as well as government agencies. Auta, who also said there was need for judicial reform, however noted that what the criminal justice system needed was how to eradicate corruption through a change in attitude from the present way of dispensing justice. He said some provisions in the reform bill were already captured in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and would have been unnecessary but for the fact that corruption had rendered them ineffective. He said: “Corruption is the only reason that can explain the snail speed at which the administration of criminal justice is moving in Nigeria. “If corruption is not effectively checked, it will be the curtains for judicial growth in Nigeria.” Auta said corruption has compounded problems of endless adjournments and awaiting trials, forcing simple cases to drag in court for many years.

For successes to be achieved in the antigraft war of the incoming administration, it is believed that the ideals of ‘due process’ in governance must be given priority attention. ‘Due process,’ which is the code name

THERE IS ALSO THE MORAL BURDEN OF THE

APC-LED

GOVERNMENT TO EXORCISE ITSELF OF CORRUPT ELEMENTS

One other area that has been considered conduit pipe in the country’s economy is that of agencies which generate revenue for government and are also directly responsible for the fixture and payment of their salaries. Agencies such as FIRS, Nigeria NNPC, among several others in this category were said to generate revenues and also pay themselves very fat salaries and allowances. The pay packages of staff of these organisations were often seen to be very fat to the envy and jealousy of other civil servants, who wished they could change their employment, while the unemployed stay hoping mostly to be fixed in those places. It is clear that whereas these agencies pay their annual targets to Federal Gov-

ernment, there is serious mis-appropriation and mis-application of funds as the chief executives of the agencies decides virtually how funds are used and in most cases, they are siphoned. It was noted that it is easier for government officials, and appointees to siphon money through these agencies, as the ministers as it were, relied largely on the agencies under them to enrich themselves and appease the powers that be. For Buhari, it is hoped that he would look into the activities of such agencies with a view to saving more money for the country. Finally, there is also the moral burden of the APC-led government to exorcise itself of corrupt elements. President Jonathan’s campaign spokesman, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, had once argued that Buahri cannot fight corruption because he is not only surrounded by corrupt men, but also unable to give what he does not have. He said: “More than any other President in the history of Nigeria, President Jonathan has fought corruption and has successfully plugged all the loopholes that allow corrupt persons to operate freely and with impunity in our country. “His reforms in the agricultural sector with special reference to the new system for the procurement of fertiliser and his reforms in NNPC and the whole area of oil subsidies proved this. Millions of dollars have been saved in these areas alone as a consequence of Mr. President’s new and innovative initiatives. “His focus is not just on arresting people without any credible evidence and parading them before television cameras in handcuffs. He believes in fighting corruption in a responsible, humane and credible manner with special emphasis on civil liberties, human rights and the rule of law. “Unlike others that came before him, he believes that the fight against corruption should not be selective and neither does he believe in using the security agencies to intimidate or persecute innocent people or his perceived enemies. This was not the case up until he became President, and everyone knows this.” Fani-Kayode said Buhari’s earlier government did not fight corruption “but was, in fact, the biggest manifestation of corruption and abuse of power in the history of Nigeria. He jailed innocent people and sent many to their graves for no just cause. He also applied retroactive legislation to kill people. “Buhari says he now wants to fight corruption but the truth is that this is a contradiction in terms, and it cannot be so simply because he is surrounded by some of the most corrupt, dishonest, incompetent, irresponsible and perverse souls in Nigeria. Anyone that doubts this just needs to consider the names of some of those that are leading his party. “His promise to fight corruption must be taken with a pinch of salt and can best be described by Shakespeare’s famous words when he said ‘it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing’.”

Politics

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Lawmaker-elect promises community inclusive legislation IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

Nasarawa State House of Assembly member-elect for Obi II state constituency, Luka Zhekaba, yesterday promised to carry everybody in his constituency along, irrespective of party, tribal or religious affiliations when performing his legislative function. Zhekaba, who won the election into the state Assembly on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, made this known when people of Ome community in Obi Local Government Area of the state paid him a congratulatory visit at his residence in Lafia, the state capital. Zhekaba lamented: “The Obi II constituency which is dominated by the Migili (Koro) ethnic nationality had most of its communities without social amenities to better the life of the inhabitants due to poor representation at the governmental level.

“However, I pledged to reverse the scenario by ensuring the deliverance of dividend of democracy to the various communities in the constituency in order to change the bad impression that had been created in the minds of the people by money bag politicians.” He emphatically pledged to tackle youth restiveness, adding that creation of job opportunities in the constituency would be his topmost priority in order to reduce roaming of streets by youth in the constituency. He then called on people of the constituency to be law abiding to allow dividends of democracy to thrive. Earlier, spokesman of the community, Mr. Gabriel Agidi, had told the state lawmaker-elect that the visit was for the Ome community to congratulate him on his victory at the polls and as well advise on the need to provide qualitative legislation when he assumes office as their representative in state House of Assembly.

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Suswam makes u-turn, challenges Gemade’s victory HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

enue State governor, Gabriel Suswam has submitted his petition to the National Assembly Elections Petitions Tribunal sitting in Makurdi, the Benue state capital, challenging the declaration of his opponent Chief Barnabas Gemade, senatorelect of Benue North-East senatorial district as winner. Barr Andrew Wombo, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, counsel and Governor

Suswam are challenging the election of Senator Gemade on the grounds that there were irregularities and that he did not meet the amount of votes required by INEC to confirm him as winner in the March 28 polls held in the state. The petition which was submitted alongside other aggrieved contestants came on the heels of the election petitions tribunal declaration that any contestant who so feels aggrieved with the outcome of the election results has just 21 days to file their petitions to seek

redress. The court has also urged aggrieved parties to adhere strictly to the deadline, insisting that after the expiration of the stipulated time anything arising thereafter will not be entertained. Observers were taken aback with the contradictions of Governor Suswam’s renewed vigor to embark on fresh litigation against his rival Senator Gemade. It would be recalled that Suswam while receiving in audience the governorelect, Dr. Samuel Ortom,

at the banquet hall of Government House in Makurdi a forthnight ago, publicly alluded that he will never institute legal action against the emergence of Dr. Ortom’s victory at the concluded polls because he knows firsthand how court cases distracts governance. Similarly, analysts are surprised at the sudden twist of events as the governor is set to embark on legal action to reclaim what he called misplaced mandate thereby contradicting his earlier avowed stance.

Appeal Court lauded for warning tribunal judges EBERE NDUKWU

kiti Justice Group, EJG, has welcomed the warning handed down to judges handling election petitions across the country not to allow themselves to be manipulated by politicians by President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa. EJG, in a statement yesterday signed by its National Coordinator, Mr Gbenga Babawibe, claimed that the All Progressives Congress, APC, leaders and members in Ekiti State, were already boasting that the judges coming to the state will do the biddings of the party. Saying that the warning coming from the Appeal Court president was heartwarming, Gbenga called on him to focus attention on judges handling election cases in Ekiti State. He said: “Justice Bulkachuwa had warned judges to be impartial, independent and should not be subject to political influence or manipulation, that each tribunal member or staff will be closely monitored by her office and she will not hesitate to descend on any

judge found wanting in the discharge of his/her duties. “On Tuesday, March 31, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, also assured that under his leadership, the judiciary would not be used to change the outcome of elections. These assurances coming from the number one and two judicial officers in Nigeria are heart-warming.” Despite these warnings, Gbenga said that the utterances and body language of APC leaders and members in and outside Ekiti State since the party won the presidential election cannot be wished away, hence, making it necessary to alert the Appeal Court on the need to give more attention to the activities of the Election Tribunal in Ekiti State, “so that judges and tribunal staff are not used to truncate the mandates of the people.” Members of the National and state House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal for Ekiti State include Justice A. M. Erahabor (from Edo State), Justice A. T. Lamina (Ogun State) and Justice P. A. Obayi (Enugu State).

Adamawa Deputy Governor- elect, Mr. Martins Babale (left) presenting his certificate of return issued to him by INEC to Gangwari of Ganye, Alhaji Umaru Sanda, for royal father’s blessing at the Chamba Kingdom palace in Ganye LGA, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Taraba guber run-off: We’re confident of victory, says PDP JUSTIN TYOPUUSU JALINGO

araba State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday expressed optimism of winning the gubernatorial runoff election slated to hold this Saturday, April 25. State PDP spokesman, Napoleon Adamu, who gave the assurance in Jalingo noted that the party is working seriously to ensure it emerges victorious at the end of the day. He said: “We are seriously preparing for the run-off election and we are confident of winning. We will not make any mistake in this last lapse of the race.” Adamu faulted the opposition, All Progressives Congress, APC, for its baseless accusation against PDP, especially on its position that the party was trying to rig, saying with the

electoral process in place now, nobody can even contemplate rigging election. He said: “The level we have reached today is such that election cannot be rigged. Whosoever is making such allegation is making a grievous mistake.” He called on PDP supporters in Donga Local Government Area and other polling units where the scheduled run-off election will be holding on Saturday to come out in their num-

bers and seal their victory. It would be recalled that Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC scheduled April 25 for run-off election between the PDP candidate, Darius Ishaku, who polled 317,198 votes and APC candidate, Aisha Alhassan, who scored 262, 386 votes. INEC returning officer for the state, Prof. Mohammed Kyari had declared the election in the state inconclusive, saying the mar-

ginal difference of 54, 812 between the PDP and APC candidates was less than the total number of cancelled votes which stood at 127, 125. The April 25 run-off election is to hold in 218 polling units spread across 10 local government areas of Taraba with Donga council having the highest number of 165 polling units, following the cancellation of the entire local government result by Prof. Kyari.

INEC issues CoR to Kano Assembly members-elect ABDULGAFAR OLADIMEJI KANO

he 40 memberselect to represent 44 constituencies of the Kano State House of Assembly were yesterday issued with Certificates of Return, CoR, by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

INEC yesterday at Mumbayya House in Kano said the presentation of CoR to the members-elect was to serve as evidence that they were those truly elected to represent their constituencies in the state legislative chamber. INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner,REC, in Kano, Huseini Halilu Pai, said the issuance of CoR

to the members elect was to certify that they were winners at the general elections in compliance with the provisions of the law. Applauding the spirit of sportsmanship displayed by those alleged to have lost at the polls, stating that the way and manner they admitted defeat, was worthy of emulation.

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Views

Thursday, April 23, 2015

2015 polls: Fortuitous escape from prophetic doomsday EXISTENTIAL HUMANISM

FRY

NDUBUISI Professor Ndubuisi is of the Dept of Philosophy, UNILAG fryndubuisi@nationalmirroronline.net (08023016709 SMS only)

o a large extent, the worst fear for the 2015 elections is over. Against all predictions Nigeria didn’t disintegrate at the end of the exercise. The social media didn’t help matters as they added impetus to the fear and tension in the land with stories banded by them. Many businesses closed down with owners awaiting what the future held in stock for the country; foreigners relocated temporarily to their countries or elsewhere, while many southern Nigerians took flight to their states, all as precautions against hellish outcome of the election. The presidential election that was expected to ignite the political inferno was surprisingly tempered down by the exemplary conduct of President Goodluck Jonathan, who promptly conceded defeat even before INEC announced the final result of the presidential election. This was reciprocated by the President elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, who publicly acknowledged the patriotic and statesmanlike conduct of Dr. Jonathan. It is unusual for an African

leader and a sitting president to accept defeat and congratulate his opponent, but the President did so. This singular gesture has received global commendation; it also spared the country preventable conflagration and its attendant socio-political and economic consequences. Ironically, the governorship elections held on April 11 witnessed surprising violence and bloodletting. From media report, no less than 20 lives were wasted and quantum of properties lost. The echo of the chicaneries that accompanied the governorship elections is very much in the air. Elections in some states - Imo, Abia, Taraba and Rivers states - have been declared inconclusive. This weekend will see a repeat of elections in some of their wards. Pundits expect a good number of petitions at the electoral tribunals across the country over the perceived large scale malpractices during the exercise. This is nonetheless preferable than violence and self help that have become a common feature in our electoral system. The verdict of the international community and other election monitors is that the 2015 elections were a big success. This is acceptable against the backdrop of the conflagrations the elections were expected to induce. In some states there were threats of fire and brimstone if the wishes of some people would not be accomplished. There has been thump up for INEC over its stellar performance in the conduct of the elections. Some people have, even in hyperbolic language, insinu-

THE INTRODUCTION OF PERMANENT VOTER’S CARDS (PVCS) IS A GREAT IDEA...BUT ITS MANAGEMENT IS SCANDALOUS ated that this year’s elections have been best the nation has ever conducted in a long while. This commendation for INEC is interesting. It shows the stuff an average Nigerian is made off. We are on the positive side and applausive of system as long as our interest is served. Many Nigerian believe, and rightly too, that given the enormous resources and timeline availed the electoral body, it should have been able to give us something better than the near chaos that prevailed during the exercise. The introduction of permanent voter’s cards (PVCs) is a great idea; it is both economical and made room for a level of sanity during the election exercise. But its management is scandalous. If the management of the PVCs was condemnable, the introduction of the card readers was in bad faith. This is yet a wonderful idea that was manipulated for a set objective. If the mismanagement of the PVCs disenfranchised many eligible voters, the card readers perfected the

duplicity. Whatever purpose this electoral technology was meant to achieve was rubbished by its application. It is stultifying that we are still harping on rigging and carting away of ballot boxes in spite of the use of card readers. The deployment of card readers was meant to checkmate electoral fraud by ensuring that only accredited voters cast their votes. That this was not followed meticulously is a thump down for the electoral empire. It is unfortunate that the leadership of INEC is allowed to get away with this. The PVCs and card readers are great innovations, but we should not allow them to become albatross in our quest for free and fair elections. If our votes are allowed to count, political violence and insipid corruption in the system will albeit. INEC has ample time before the next general elections. All eligible voters should get their PVCs in good time, while cards readers should be perfected to satisfactorily level. More importantly, electronic solutions to detecting underage voters have become imperative. Rigging will be a thing of the past with this. It will be a good idea if registered voters should be able to vote from anywhere within the states they register for governorship election, and from any part of the federation during presidential election. It is sheer waste of time to ask voters to do accreditation and come back many hours later to cast their votes.

World Copyright Day: The challenges before Nigeria

oday is the World Book and Copyright Day. It is a day set apart annually to celebrate literature, literacy and protection of intellectual rights. Sunday, 26th April, is the World Intellectual Property Day, a day also set apart annually to celebrate human creative endeavours as evinced in original innovations and ideas. The World Book and Copyright Day is organised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), to promote reading, publishing and copyright, while the Vision of World Intellectual Property Day, according to World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) is to “raise awareness of how patents, copyright, trademarks and designs impact on daily life and to celebrate creativity, and the contribution made by creators and innovators to the development of societies across the globe”. Since the themes of these important days are interrelated, I am going to treat their composite messages as the spring for my postulations here concerning their implication for Nigeria. Being emanations of human creative ingenuity, intellectual property is the greatest assets in the world; it is trite that any nation that is serious about progress would entrench a rigorous regime for the protection of intellectual property of its citizenry. Nigerians are arguably among the nations with stupendous size of gifted people; the nation brims with talents in all age grades and in virtually all fields of human enterprises. Unfortunately, our intellectual property law and enforcement regime is one of the most relaxed in the world with unscrupu-

OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW AND ENFORCEMENT REGIME IS ONE OF THE MOST RELAXED IN THE WORLD lous elements gaining ascendancy over merits and talents; these bad characters keep laughing their crooked way to the banks while the researchers, innovators, literary icons, artistes and other gifted souls are being scorched with fire of frustration. Even in our ivory towers, cases of plagiarism abound with purloined theses being readapted or simply rehashed to earn academic awards. It is the state’s preponderant responsibility to ensure that the intellectual endeavours of its gifted population is not hampered through the greed of other lazybones. But here, it seems our own government is lethargic. This apparent lackadaisical attitude of the officialdom to IP protection is appalling, considering the fact that our Nollywood is touted as one of the best three film industries in the world. I am not unaware of the fact that there are a number of piracy cases being prosecuted in the Federal High Court by the Nigerian Copyright Commission, while the commission is every now and then reported to have seized sizeable amounts of pirated materials from economic marauders, but the problem is far too big and complicated to be addressed by our extant efforts. For example there are about 50 cases

being prosecuted by the NCC across the country, but pray, what are 60 cases compared to the scale of piracy taking place in Nigeria? It is with utmost regrets that I recall the tragedy that befell one of the greatest comedians that Africa has produced, Moses Olaiya Adejumo, aka Baba Sala, in the 1980s when his multimillion naira blockbuster film “Orun Mooru” was stolen and released into the market in one of the most callous act of piracy in Nigeria. Baba Sala, who had borrowed money from bank in the hope of a profitable recoup when the film became a success, was almost plunged into insolvency. This was a man who had for many decades brought smiles to the faces of millions of Nigerians, yet our decadent system allowed the saboteurs to stamp anguish on his face. Another case we may all remember is the callous piracy of Tunde Kelani’s highly innovative film, Arugba, which was criminally reproduced only a few days after release! The scoundrels even went to the extent of uploading the film on the video-sharing website, YouTube, on the internet before the owners of that facility, Google, were contacted and they promptly put it down. The rate of piracy in the land is so pandemic that some musicians and filmmakers have even stopped releasing albums and films with regularity dictated by their star status, preferring instead live performances tinged with occasional waxing of records. The police and other law enforcement agents

CRITICAL STROKES

KAYODE

KETEFE

kketefe@nationalmirroronline.net 08032147720 (SMS only)

have all the data on locales where gross violations of IP rights are carried on daily. Alaba market in Lagos is the putative capital of the West African piracy market, while the Onitsha market in Anambra State boasts of multibillion naira piracy industry, yet the marauders are allowed to operate with reckless abandon. We only hear of occasional raids that are few and far between instead of purposeful, well-coordinated and sustained campaigns that would rout the pirates and put them out of business for good. For our nation to progress, we must strengthen our enforcement mechanisms of intellectual property law to ensure the originators reap their due rewards Ketefe may be followed on twitter @Ketesco Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

Editorial

Thursday April 23, 2015

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All the Facts, All the Sides A PUBLICATION OF GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LTD BARRISTER JIMOH IBRAHIM, CFR PUBLISHER

SUNDAY OLAJIDE MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO SEYI FASUGBA DAILY EDITOR GBEMI OLUJOBI SATURDAY EDITOR AYO OLESIN SUNDAY EDITOR BEN MEMULETIWON GENERAL EDITOR DOZIE OKEBALAMA COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD CALLISTUS OKE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF AUGUSTUS IMEKAN ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

On Nigeria’s democracy so far

ot a few Nigerians and commentators from the international community have given plaudits for democracy in Nigeria, particularly as it relates to the conduct of the March 28 and April 11 general elections, despites all hitches working against the process. One huge relief the elections offered, however, was that it disappointed all predictions and prophesies that Nigeria, as an entity, would go extinct or sink with the polls. But, alas, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, for example, says the elections have raised hope for the country; and that Nigerians can now raise their heads in honour anywhere in the world. “We have done it for West Africa, we have done it for Africa and we have now done it for ourselves”, he said. Without any doubt, the successful conduct of the polls ushered in a new phase in Nigeria’s democratic march. For the first time, for instance, a sitting president lost out; and on his own, without allowing the hawks around him to mislead him, though they tried tirelessly, congratulated the winner; and has been in high spirit in his preparation to quit. Civil rule, even when many disagree that it is synonymous with democratic governance, has been longest since 1999 (May 29), when the military, after several

years of meddlesomeness with politics, handed over the baton of power to Obasanjo, who flew the flag of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party that lost power at the federal level to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari (retired) on March 28. But as the nation basks in the euphoria of successful 2015 polls, little attention has been paid to the contradictions trailing Nigeria’s democracy since 1999. They include scant or spittle rewards by way of democratic dividends, federalist hypocrisy, political parties that are merely two sides of the same coin in structure, content and ideology; unflattering internal party democracy; and quite unfortunately, perhaps, a political class with entrenched desperation for political power, rent-seeking and dubious patronage. This will help give an insight into why conceding defeat is not in the dictionary of the average Nigerian politician. This is without prejudice to President Jonathan’s willful concession of defeat to Buhari in the last Presidential elections. It will take the strong penchant for electoral frauds by politicians to explain why governors allegedly pay huge sums of money to disreputable and corrupt Independent National Electoral Commission

THE GLOATING BENEFICIARY OF A FRAUDULENT MANDATE TODAY COULD BE THE UNFORTUNATE VICTIM OF SAME TOMORROW (INEC) officials and their unscrupulous accomplices in the nation’s security services to compel the selling of election results to the highest bidder; as well as why a retired army general allegedly participated actively in perpetrating electoral frauds in one of the South-South states during the last general elections. Agreed, INEC’s application of electronic technology to avoid the commission of large scale electoral frauds paid off; but certainly not maximally. There is still the crying need for improvement ahead of future polls. But even if INEC perfectly puts its house in order in terms of hitch-free application of state-of-the-art electronic technology for elections, transparent, free and fair polls will still elude Nigeria if electoral fraudsters are given chance to ply their trade; and if politicians refuse to realise the fact that they are in for any electoral contest to win or lose without pulling down the roof on the nation. This is a major challenge for the National

ON THIS DAY

April 23, 1985

April 23 1993

Coca-Cola changed its formula and released ‘New Coke’. The response to the new product was overwhelmingly negative, and the original formula was returned back to the market in less than three months. New Coke was introduced in 1985 by The Coca-Cola Company to replace the original formula of its flagship soft drink, Coca-Cola (also called Coke). New Coke originally had no separate name of its own.

Sri Lankan politician, Lalith Athulathmudali, was assassinated while addressing a gathering, approximately four weeks ahead of the Provincial Council elections for the Western Province. Athulathmudali (November 26, 1936 – April 23, 1993) was a Sri Lankan politician of the United National Party and former Cabinet Minister of Trade, National Security, Agriculture, Education and deputy minister of defence.

Orientation Agency (NOA); and a matter of conscience for the common crooks and political rascals adorning the nation’s landscape. For the aforementioned reasons and others, therefore, we strongly lend our support to strident calls that suspects linked with electoral offences must face the wrath of the law, since electoral violence occasioning the loss of lives, ballot box, election materials and Cards readers’ snatching, illegal thumb-printing of ballot papers, et cetera, marred the polls in some parts of the country. Ensuring that those who committed election-related offences are diligently prosecuted and punished, and far-reaching reform of the entire electoral process, are some of the major tasks the Buhari Presidency should insist on once sworn-in on May 29. This is very imperative because the gloating beneficiary of a fraudulent mandate today could be the unfortunate victim of same tomorrow. It may also please the Buhari administration to find solutions to some of the pitfalls of the nation’s democratic experiment already pointed out; in addition to seeking honest answers to the ‘National Question’ as had been identified by the reports of past national conferences, including the one convened by President Jonathan last year.

April 23, 2005 First YouTube video titled “Me at the zoo” was uploaded. YouTube is a video-sharing website headquartered in San Bruno, California, United States. The service was created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005. In November 2006, it was bought by Google for US$1.65 billion. YouTube now operates as one of Google’s subsidiaries. The site allows users to upload, view, and share videos.

AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY, ADO-EKITI (ABUAD) IN CONJUNCTION WITH

AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY, ADO-EKITI (ABUAD)

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Education Today Thursday, April 23, 2015

“The setting of this University is ‘Superlative’ and ‘Impressive’, with nothing of its kind that I have seen so far in the country or anywhere else” (Gen. Dr. Yakubu Gowon, GCFR,)

Saidat Alausa

Higher National Diploma (HND) graduate, Mrs. Bolanle Olalekan (not real name) joined the service of Lagos State Government 11 years ago as a technical staff on level 08. Although, she had stayed without job for four years after graduation from Yaba College of Technology, Lagos before she was offered the employment, she felt bad that her certificate could not give her the same privilege at work with her counterparts who graduated from the universities. She was employed like many other HND holders alongside some degree holders by the state government at the same time without knowing there was disparity of status between them. “I didn’t know we were not equal until we were given confirmation letters after six months and I discovered she was two steps ahead of me,” she said. “Although we were both on Level 08, my own letter refers to me as a technical staff while he is called professional.” Since then, they are both being promoted at interval to the next grade but with different step. 11 years down the line, Olalekan is on Level 12 while his Bsc holder colleague is also on Level 12(step 3). “That step 3 is not ordinary. It means a lot in the ministry. Even though in terms of salary, there is no much difference as we are both almost on the same salary structure. The major difference is in terms of benefits attached to the office. They are supervisors and handling major issues at that level. They are nominated for training programmes and preferred to attend official engagements on behalf of the ministry than us. They are also the ones responsible directly to the directors,” Olalekan, a mother of three, complained. Another issue that bothers her just like her HND holder colleagues according to her is the fact that while the university graduate could get to level 17 and become a permanent secretary of a ministry before reaching statutory retirement age of 35, they cannot go beyond Level 14 even after spending the same number of years, except they possess some professional qualifications. “I am not also happy about this. I see it as a gross injustice and discrimination at the highest order,” she said bitterly. Like Olalekan, another HND holder, who identified himself simply as Joseph and has worked for three years with a local govern-

HND graduates groan as disparity persists Say discrimation counter-productive

Cross section of polytechnic graduates during their convocation ceremony ment in Lagos State also decried the development, saying a fresh degree holder employed newly into his office is now his superior officer. He said “I am now responsible to him, which is unfair because certificate cannot do the work but the person holding it.” These are typical cases of disparity experiencing between graduates of universities and their counterparts from polytechnics in terms of the value of their certificates at work and other places. National Mirror recalls that the recent recruitment exercise by the Nigeria Immigration Service clearly displayed this dichotomy in the two certificates. The Federal Government parastatal in its vacancies advertisement called for three categories of applicants and stated respective academic qualifications for each post. According to the advertisement, Superintendent Cadre - Assistant Superintendent of

‘It is difficult combining girl friend with studies’ 21

Immigration II (ASI II) – CONPASS 08, was strictly for degree holders while Inspectorate Cadre - Assistant Inspector of Immigration (AII) – CONPASS 06 and Immigration Assistant Cadre- Immigration Assistant III (IA3) – CONPASS 03 was for ND and NCE and ‘O’ and ‘A’ level holders, respectively. The implication of this is that no vacancy for HND holders except would not mind in using ND or any other lower qualification for the purpose. Sadly, the situation is not limited to public service. National Mirror can authoritatively report that the private sector, especially multi-national companies also discriminates based on certificates with many of them consider only the university graduates for their graduate trainees as a start-up for employment . All these are apart from academic institutions like universities that will admit only first degree holders for their master’s

What I learnt from Afe Babalola, by ex-ABUAD VC 20

programmes while their polytechnic counterparts must have to obtain post graduate diploma to qualify for master’s programmes. The development to the education watchers is counter-productive. Many of them argue that many polytechnic graduates are even doing better at work especially that involves technical-knowledge than their degree holder counterparts. “And that is why polytechnic education is no longer attractive to youths again in the country,” Mr. Johnson Olaoye, a Lagos-based education consultant observed. “As many of those who go to polytechnic do so after they could not get admission into the university.” He however argued since Nigeria needs polytechnic education to develop science and technology sectors, it must by all means do things that will encourage more youths to embrace polytechnic education. Also reacting to the disparity, the Rector, CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

NAUS issues Imoke, Wada one-week ultimatum to reopen universities 24

Education Today

Thursday, April 23, 2015

What I learnt from Afe Babalola, by ex-ABUAD VC Professor Sidi Osho, a pioneer and immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Ado- Ekiti is currently on sabbatical with the National Open University of Nigeria. She obtained her first degree in Food Science from Michigan State University, USA in 1980 and master’s and doctorate degrees in Food Processing and Technology from Ohio State University, USA in 1981 and the University of Ibadan in 1993, respectively. Before joining ABUAD, she was with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan. Prof. Osho, who is also the President of Sidi Osho Foundation, a non for-profit making organisation in this interview with TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE speaks on polytechnic education, insecurity, her experience as a VC, among other issues. Excerpts: It is now over a year that Chibok school girls were kidnapped by Boko Haram members with their whereabouts still unknown, how do you explain this as a mother and educationist? Well, the issue of the kidnapped Chibok girls has been very disheartening. Talking as a mother and normal human being, it is a sadden development. I still can’t imagine myself being in the shoes of the mothers of the kidnapped girls. The hope that would have been dashed looking for the girls. And for over a year, the hope that has been destroyed in not being able to see them. Two, not having an idea or clue as to how to find them is disheartening for me. As an educationist, when you look at women, the girl-child and the UN recommendations, and the objectives of having governance; looking at the totality of a being. You begin to wonder why you should be deprived legal things you are supposed to have by just a group of people, saying that as a girl, you cannot go to school. It is sad. With education, you are liberated and totally free from the shackles of poverty. And it becomes a personal choice whether to be used as a literate wife or as a full housewife. For me, I think that the girl-child should be more enlightened and trained to discover who they are, their personalities and what their career choices are. They need to be given more information on choices about life, opportunities. Among women in the world, there are brilliant scientists, entrepreneurs, astute administrators. So, you can write off any girl-child. What do you think can prevent recurrence? I think the Nigerian security situation should be addressed as a result of the issue of the kidnapped girls. Everyone has to be protected at all times; whether you are male or female, Nigerian or foreigners. Everybody’s security is very important. Government needs to take security more seriously. It should be addressed as soon as possible. What is Sidi Osho Foundation is all about? In summary, the foundation

to set yourself free from poverty. When you are educated and you have a degree, there must be opportunity for you to excel; either as employer of labour or being employed. They should also look at private sector initiative to help government because government cannot do everything. Also, they should look at success case studies in the sector. Look at how to replicate those studies to enhance quality in the system. By doing these, our education will move to the next level.

Osho is a charitable organisation to promote and contribute to the growth of human development and alleviate poverty in Africa through education at all levels, entrepreneurial skills, food sustainability, leadership and governance, health and empowerment among other developmental initiatives. We leant that the foundation organised an education summit for polytechnic students in the country recently, what was it about? The Nigerian education policy says everybody must be educated and be literate. At the same time, it also gives credence to the fact that there are different systems in the 6-3-3-4 education system where you can attain different levels of educational opportunities. The Federal Government recognises primary, secondary, monotechnic, colleges of education, technical colleges, polytechnic and university education. It is in our policy and this is opportunity to access. They believe that after your secondary education with your ability, you should be able to go to any of these schools to further your education. What the summit was all about is to enhance students’ certification. We believe that if you pass through any of these schools, you should be able to be a good citizen of this country and enjoy wealth and blessings of this country. And develop your own personal skills that can lead you to success in entrepreneurial development. It can give you better opportunities. It

can also open networks for you around the world. So, even if you don’t work in Nigeria, you can also work in West Africa or anywhere in the world. You can also have access to institutions yourself. You can enrol for certification programmes whereby you can improve yourself. So, the summit was to bring ideas. It was also aimed at looking at the critical loopholes in the educational system. And that was why we gathered students to address issue bordering on the quality of their certificates. And the outcome has been very fruitful. In your view, what do you think the incoming administration should focus on in the education sector? First, let me congratulate the president-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari for his success at the poll. As an educationist, we are here to advise government. We would like government look critically into the whole education issue from the primary to the tertiary level. They should also look at the stakeholders that make up the system, be at the infrastructure and the quality delivery system. They should look at the teachers and lecturers that train the students. They should look at the staff unions; what their needs and how they can work together harmoniously for the institutions to be better places. Overall, the goal of being literate is

Could you please share your experience as a female vice-chancellor ABUAD? Let me first of all commend the founder of ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola. I also want to congratulate him on his recent honorary doctorate degree and honour bestowed on him by the University of London, United Kingdom. ABUAD’s vision is to deliver quality education and when I was the VC, I saw myself keying into the vision of the founder. For a vision to be actualised, you must put yourself in the driver’s seat. And I was fortunate that I selected and worked with experienced hands in the university administration. I must say that the founder was also a good trainer because he has experience as pro-chancellor; he has experienced what managing a university is all about. For me, I didn’t see myself as working as a female but as a team leader, leading the team aright. And that has really helped. But in whole, I thank God because without Him, you can never be who you are or what you want to be. But I know that God always put people in situation for a particular purpose. And I believe that God put me in ABUAD. You can never work alone. You need to work with people. You need commitment, you need truthfulness; you need to be honest and you need absolute hardwork for you to make success of whatever you believe in. And for me, those key words, commitment, honesty, hardwork were my driving force. Those were the virtues we got from the founder. If you remember, it was hardwork that brought Aare Afe Babalola to where he is today. And so, those virtues rub off on anybody that works with him.

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ActionAid urges government, others to secure schools Regina Otokpa ABUJA

n international Non-Governmental organisation, ActionAid, has urged the Federal Government to provide adequate security for schools across the country to forestall a recurrence of abducted school children as witnessed in Chibok over a year ago. Briefing newsmen during a change of leadership in Abuja, the new Country Director, Dr. Ojobo Atuluku stressed the need for the incoming and outgoing government to pool resources together and ensure that schools were duly protected. According to her, the security of schools was not only the priority of the government, but also of communities, corporate organisations and individuals. Atuluku went further to unveil that part of programmes lined up during her administration as country director would be to ensure that relevant facilities were established to protect educational environments and also assist to boost the economic standard of the poor towards living a dignified life. “Actionaid is working on security in educational establishments and it is also an issue for communities to prioritise. We believe in building space for people to engage with the government to get the kind of development they have rights to. She urged the incoming government to carry the international organization along on its activities which she advised should focus on economic deferment, security and accountability. The outgoing country director, Hussein Abdu, noted that actionaid under his watch, had been able to take on a dual identity as national and international organisation, a feat that had allowed for active influence in local issues.

Cheat and be expelled, Katsina University VC tells students James Danjuma KATSINA

utright expulsion awaits any student of the Al Qalam University in Katsina State that engages in examination malpractice and other forms of related misconduct. The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof Shehu Garki issued the warning on Tuesday at school’s 10th matriculation and orientation programme for about 500 newly admitted students. Garki also warned students of the university not to engage in “irresponsible and unwholesome lifestyles” as well as “antisocial activities” within or outside the campus. He called on them to “resist all lusts to indecent dressing, drunkenness and transient pleasure,” and not to allow “miscreants, individual or group of individuals to derail them from their studies.” He said the institution, which is the first Islamic university in the country, had an established channel of communication which students were expected to follow to register grievances or demands.

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z Save our souls, teachers beg Jonathan over unpaid allowance Femi Oyeweso ABEOKUTA

he about 360 graduates participating at the Federal Teachers’ Scheme (FTS) have sent a “Save Our Souls” message to President Goodluck Jonathan to prevail on the handlers of the scheme to pay their outstanding salaries running into 11 months now. The FTS participants for year 2013 - 2015 batch explained that their decision to send S.O.S message to President Jonathan as well as members of the general public was borne out of their desire to intimate the public about the poor and dehumanising working conditions for which handlers of the programme have subjected them to since the middle of year 2014. In a statement issued and signed by the Coordinator and Secretary of the programme in the state, Tolani Lawal and Ubong Samuel respectively, the federal teachers lamented that government is owing the over 8, 000 members participating in the scheme over 10 months stipends. FTS, an initiative of the Federal Government under the umbrella of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC/SUBEB) was designed to address the shortfall in teaching manpower in public primary and secondary schools in all the states of the federation. The programme was designed to enable each of the benefiting states of the federation absorb the participants and incorporate them into the existing teaching cadre/scheme in

their respective states at the end of their two years service to the nation under the scheme. In the statement however, participating teachers said it is disheartening that the federal government, who recruited them into the scheme has refused to pay the N18, 000 monthly allowance “despite the meritorious services we are rendering.” “It is in this light that we, participants of the Federal Teachers’ Scheme 2013/2015 Set, appeal to the Federal Government of Nigeria under the umbrella of UBEC/SUBEB on behalf of the concerned states to pay the 10 months salaries. “Our last payment was in the mid 2014 and no payment has been made up till date. We have been suffering for the past 10 months, we have been trekking to school, teaching with empty stomach and even turned ourselves to co-operate beggars.” The teachers however, appealed to President Jonathan to direct relevant federal government agency to pay their allowances “in order that we may not die of hunger.” While congratulating the state governor, Ibikunle Amosun on his reelection for another term of office, the teacher also appealed to the governor to ensure that they are absorbed into the state SUBEB as permanent teachers when their services eventually expires in November saying, “we have paid our dues as expected of us in the service to our father land”.

day. He said that in future, the university would be collaborating with some external testing centres, which would make it possible for candidates from Lagos, the east or other distant places to write their examinations without necessarily coming to FUNAAB. “By so doing, we will be able to finish what we hitherto used to do in a week in one or two days, giving us the opportunity to serve the country better and students can take the exams at their convenience closer to them instead of travelling down to

It is difficult combining ‘girl friend’ with studies —FUT Minna best overall graduand Priscilla Dennis MINNA

simimi Victor Oludare, 22, stole the show at the 24th Convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Niger State held last weekend. He was called many times to the podium to receive one prize or the other with thousands of people including parents in attendance trying to have a glimpse of him as he matched forward. They were 3, 490 in all who graduated and Oludare was the overall best academically among them. He was also the best in his faculty and department and was rewarded accordingly for the achievement. A First Class honour graduate, Oludare who studied Electrical\Electronics obtained Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.76 out of the possible 5.0 to clinch the number one position. In a chat with the National Mirror shortly after the ceremony, Oludare recounted his journey to stardom, saying it all started from his primary school days. He attended Goddy Nursery and Primary School, Okene and NIOMCO Staff Secondary School, Itakpe, both in Kogi state, where he equally graduated as the overall best student of his set. Oludare from Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area of Kogi State did not deviate from the path of hard work and commitment he had known for when he gained admission into FUT Minna five years ago.

15,000 students for FUNAAB post-UTME t least 15,000 students are expected at this year Post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State. This was disclosed by the Head, Information and Communication Technology Resource Centre of the university, Dr. Olutayo Ajayi at the institution recently. According to him, the candidates are to take the electronic examination (e-exams), using about 750 computer systems for one week at three sessions per

Education Today

Thursday, April 23, 2015

the university. On his assessment of this year’s UTME result, being the first time that Joint Admission Matriculation Board would be conducting a fully electronic exam, Dr. Ajayi said information reaching him on the performance of students indicated that the results were better than that of last year because almost all the students scored well above 200 points. He however said with the necessary machinery put in place, the university is set to ensure the smooth conduct of the exam.

Oludare

He faced his studies squarely and ensured he did not miss class and other engagements including Christian fellowship activities he knew would enhance his education. He also decided not to keep girl friend so as not to distract him. He said: “Although, I had many female friends, I was not into anything intimate with any of them. I knew combining academic works with a relationship would be difficult to cope with since every relationship would be demanding on both parties. For example, it will demands for time and attention, among others and I was not ready for all that. So, I avoided it.” Even though he knew he was in First Class category all along, he never knew he had the highest CGPA in his set. The news was broken to him through telephone call three days to the convocation ceremony. “And I received it with

great joy,” he said. “Because the achievement means a lot to me.” According to him, “it shows that God crowns effort of those who work hard and fear Him.” Although on resumption to the school after admission, he never thought according to him that he would emerge the overall best when graduating from the institution. “But honestly speaking, I did my best possible as human being. I studied hard and left the rest in the hand of God and I thank Him for proving Himself in my life,” he stressed. Interestingly, Oludare took part in international Fix Olmypia exams in 2009 while he was in secondary school from state to the national level and his excellence performance got him a ticket to represent Nigeria at the world competition in Mexico in that year and came back to the country with a laurel. But, he is not happy that

government does not accord due recognition to those who perform excellently in one national competition or the other from academic circle unlike their counterparts from the sport sector. “I want to see a change in this regard. When we wrote the International Olympia exams, people that performed very well were not celebrated like those that are into sport. I know of a man, Henry by name who represented Nigeria in the PanAfrican Olympia and came out the best and nothing was done for him after making the country proud. “So, government will need to appreciate those in the academic circle the way it does to those in sport when they do well. It will go a long way in making them to work harder.” Oludare also wanted government at all levels to invest more in the education sector, especially in provision of infrastructure and research as it will bring out the best out of Nigeria. When he was asked of what next now, he said he would go for his one-year mandatory National Youth Service Corps scheme from next month after which he hopes to further his education in the area of research. He used the opportunity to thank his father, who is a lecturer at Kogi State Polytechnic Osara and mum, a primary school teacher, for their parental roles on him while commending the university for impacting positively on its students. Earlier in his address, the VC, Prof. Musbau Adewumi Akanji commended Oludare for his exemplary performance and urged him and his mates to be good ambassadors of the institution as they move on with life.

From fourth (L-R): Registrar, Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Mrs. Aderonke Ige; Rector, Dr. Abdulazeez Lawal; Special Adviser to the state Governor on Education, Otunba Abdul-Fatai Olukoga; Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye during the institution’s 23rd convocation ceremony, recently.

Education Today

Thursday, April 23, 2015

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LAUTECH VC predicts Nobel Laureate prize for alumnus

Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO.

he Vice-Chancellor, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Professor Adeniyi Gbadegesin has predicted that an alumnus of the university would win Nobel Laureate prize by year 2040. Speaking with newsmen at the main campus of the university in Ogbomoso on Monday as part of activities marking the 25th LAUTECH Founder’s Day and 12th convocation ceremony, Gbadegesin, said the institution, with a unique system that made it mandatory for all 100 level students to study all basic science subjects, it is succeeding in producing first class scholars that can hold their own in any field of human interests. As part of achievements of the present leadership in the last one year and in line with the projection of the university to produce a Nobel Laureate winner on its golden jubilee anniversary, the vice chancellor, said students of the university had been winning various awards, especially in agriculture and information technology competitions. He added that at a particular competition in Abuja where over 500 students

from 28 universities participated; LAUTECH students won 12 out of 14 available awards and also claimed the first three positions. Commending the two owner states of Osun and Oyo for their support, Gbadegesin however lamented poor financial state of the institution, saying paucity of funds was responsible for its low key silver jubilee celebration. He also explained that the institution was not awarding honorary degrees during its 12th convocation and silver jubilee celebration because it was not interested in “giving the honours to people who do not merit it.” On the convocation ceremony, the vice-chancellor said total number of 4,697 and 9,000 students will bag first degrees and higher degrees, respectively. He noted that 33 of them made First Class while 1,144 others made second class upper division. According to him, the hitherto problematic faculty of medical sciences of the institution is in sound state and has accreditation till 2017, stressing that the two teaching hospitals of the university in Osogbo and Ogbomoso are also being used to train students.

Ex- UNICEF education adviser for AUN Tunbosun Ogundare

he American University of Nigeria Yola has announced Ms. Vicky Colbert as a guest speaker for its commencement programme for this year. It is the seventh edition in the series and Colbert will be speaking on May 9. Colbert is formerly ViceMinister of Education of Colombia and UNICEF Regional Education Adviser for the LAC Region. She is an instrumental to education revolution in the developing world. Announcing her selection, AUN’s President, Dr. Margee Ensign said the university selected the educationist based on her tall credential and contribution to education in the developing world. “We at AUN are anxious to hear of her wonderful

experiences in the developing world, where her work has brought education and hope to so many millions of children across the globe,” she said.

L-R: Managing Director, Media Concepts International Limited, Mr. Tope Agbeyegbe; Registrar, West African Examinations Council, Dr. Iyi Uwadiae; immediate past registrar, Alhaja Mulikat Bello; Head of National Office, Nigeria, Mr. Charles Eguridu; former registrars to the council, Chief S.A. Esezobor and Dr. Sylvia Boye during the inauguration of Customer Service Centre at WAEC’s headquarters in Yaba, Lagos, recently. Photo: Tunbosun Ogundare

NUC commends soil scientists on policy implementation Saidat Alausa

he Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, NUC, Prof.Julius Okojie has commended the Soil Science Society of Nigeria, SSSN, for the promotion of effective policies and actions for the sustainable management and protection of soil resources in Nigeria. Speaking at the 39th Annual Conference of the body held at Landmark University, Omu Aran, Kwara State, he said the society had promoted the understanding of basic and applied soil

Prof. Okojie acknowledged that the NUC was aware of other enormous contributions of the body in its quality assurance and academic standards activities especially in the academic programme accreditation exercise and update in the Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards documents both at undergraduate and post graduate levels. He said the commission would continue to depend on inputs from the society in shaping the NUC curricula to make them responsive to the nation and the enhancement of employment opportunities for graduates of agriculture.

AOCOED bars workers from overseas’ trips without permission Tunbosun Ogundare

he Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (ACOED), Otto/Ijanikain, Lagos State has barred members of staff from travelling abroad without obtaining permission minimum of two weeks

HND graduates groan as disparity persists CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Dr. Abdulazeez Lawal told National Mirror that the rectors as a major stakeholder in the system will intensify effort to close the gap. According to him, “The Council of Heads of Polytechnics in Nigeria which comprises rectors of state and federal polytechnics has now resolved not to collaborate with any institutions that discriminate against our products.” He argued that just as the degree holders are useful to country’s development so

science through teaching, research and various channels of disseminating research findings. The conference was theme, “Managing Nigerian Soils for Food and Nutrition Security and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation.” The NUC secretary represented by the visiting Professor, Akanaren Essien noted that the society had also contributed to the strides and progress recorded in the research on Nigerian soils and had from time to time given appropriate recommendations for the management of soils in various ecological zones of Nigeria.

also their counterparts from the polytechnics hence, the need to create for them a level playing ground to exhibit their skills and knowledge. The rector, who called for a revisit of a bill before the National Assembly seeking the abolition and prohibition of dichotomy and discrimination between the first degree and Higher National Diploma certificates in the same profession, said that was the only way to address the issue. “This will be to good interest of the country,” he concluded.

prior to such journey. This was contained in a circular by the registry department on behalf of the management, expecting all concerned workers to comply with the directive. In another development, the college has concluded plans to hold its second edition of the annual registry lecture series 2015. This year’s edition with the theme: “Effective Administration of Tertiary Institutions in the Twenty First

(21st) Century,” is being organised in honour of the immediate past Registrar of the college, Mr. Bola Disu. The college’s spokesman, Mr. Adebowale Odunayo said the one-day event, scheduled for Thursday, 21st May by 10.00am at the college Auditorium 1 would feature former Registrar of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Mr. Ayo Ogunruku as a guest speaker. He noted that five staff-

ers from the registry department who have distinguished themselves over the years would also be honoured during the event. Similarly, the college would play host to the Committee of Auditors involving Heads of Internal Audit Directorates in Nigeria Colleges of Education (CHIADINCOE), who will be holding their 16th Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, April 28 at the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Hall.

Students of Ilupeju Senior Grammar school during the 17th Nestle MILO Secondary Schools Basketball Championship press conference in Lagos, on Monday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

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t is generally believed that the decay in the educational sector in Nigeria is largely a factor of poor funding. The problem of poor funding is multidimensional. Basically, there is a shortfall in the funds allocated to the education sector for the execution of the various programmes and projects. In addition, there is poor management of available funds by the innumerable organisations that are saddled with the responsibility of administering educational funds. Furthermore poor funding is also associated with failure of available funds to reach target projects and programmes because of over bloated and incompetent administrations in the target institutions that gulp most of the available fund. Finally at the level of execution, massive corruption is increasingly becoming an important factor in the depletion of the meager funds that finally trickle down to the institutions. Inadequate allocation of fund to the sector is a perennial problem in Nigeria. It has been the trigger for many industrial actions by different cadres of workers in the tertiary institutions nationwide, but the problem has persisted. From my perspective as an insider, the rate of decay far outstrips the growth recorded. Notwithstanding the relentless agitation for better funding by the various pressure groups in the system, the allocation to education has only climbed to the 11% mark in the 2015 budget. With the current level of decay in infrastructure and uncontrolled and unplanned expansion in student population, this amount could scarcely maintain the status quo let alone improve on it. When compared to over 30% of the national budget consistently dedicated to education by Ghana since 2011, it is obvious that the effort by the current administration is grossly inadequate considering the magnitude of the problem. The plethora of parastatals and agencies in the federal ministry of education and the multiplicity of administrative units highlight the lack of coordination in the ministry’s administration and finances. An important consequence of the replication of administrative units is the massive wastage of resources. The Steve Oronsaye’s committee report on the rationalisation of Federal Government agencies and parastatals had recommended the merger or scrapping of many parastatals and agencies in

he number of Russian universities will be cut by 40% by the end of 2016, according to Minister of Education and Science Dmitry Livanov. In addition, the number of university branches will be slashed by 80% in the same period. The institutions are being axed under a federal plan for the development of education during 2016 to 2020. Ministry of Education and Science data indicate that at present there are 593 state and 486 private universities,

Education Today

Thursday, April 23, 2015

which have 1,376 and 682 branches respectively. Collectively, the universities cater for seven million students, of whom two million are holding state-funded places at an estimated average cost of US$3,500 per student. Livanov said the number of universities was five times higher now than during the days of the USSR and was too high: “This is mainly the result of the opening of a huge number of private universities during the 1990s. Unfortunately, the results of our monitoring showed

Challenge of funding education

If the incoming administration hope to make any headway in solving the problems in the educational sector, it must increase the

budgetary allocation to the education sector to at least

20 per cent in the first year.

the federal civil service including the education ministry. Analysis of the report suggests that a whopping N489.9bn may be saved from the universities system alone if the management of the sector is streamlined. This is equivalent to the entire official federal budget on education and immediately suggests that the education ministry is perhaps the most wasteful in the entire civil service. Apart from savings from mergers and abolition of agencies, the funds allocated to education may be stretched further by fine-tuning the organization of the recipient institutions, especially in the tertiary institutions. The report of the committee on National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) assessment of Nigerian public universities indicates that the administrative and supportive staff components of the tertiary insti-

tutions have over time become unwieldy, overtaking the academic staff component in many institutions and consuming more than half of the statutory allocations. This leaves the institutions with little or no funds for capital development. A reorganisation of the administrative machinery of the tertiary institutions with strict sanctions on defaulting administrative heads would allow for a more rapid growth in the sector. The NEEDS assessment report further revealed a near catastrophic state of decadence in Nigerian public universities. The situation is further highlighted by the 2015 UNESCO report on the state of the Nigerian education which revealed a huge gap in the number and quality of teachers in the primary school sector of the Nigerian education system. No wonder Professor Peter Okebukola, a former executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) in an interview early this year proposed an increase in the budgetary allocation to education to 30%, that is, about 3 times the current value. The proposal by the incoming All Progressives Congress to increase the national spending on education to 24.5% in the next ten years is obviously a non-starter. The issue of corrupt practices in the educational institutions remains worrisome. Though the ICPC has set up shop in the tertiary institutions, it has not made, nor is it expected to make any impact under the present conditions. If the incoming administration of General Mohammadu Buhari hopes to make any headway in solving the glaring problems in the educational sector, it must increase the budgetary allocation to the education sector to at least 20 per cent in the first year. It should also consider implementing the Steve Oronsaye’s report, at least as it relates to the education sector to maximise the utility of funds thus allocations. Finally, it must plug the various loopholes through which the funds are siphoned into personal pockets by institutional administrators and the other caterpillars in the system.

Russia to cut universities by 40% that the quality of education provided by some of them is very poor. He said that some institutions acted as “offices for the sale of certificates that do not have an established training process and qualified teachers.” The majority of cuts will affect private universities that provide a poor standard of education. This year, quality checks officially started on 10 March, and the results will be submitted to the Edu-

cation Ministry by 30 May. An official spokesman for the ministry said it was a possible that some of the closed universities, including their infrastructure and teachers, could be absorbed by other regional universities that would continue to operate. The institutional rationalisation is part of the government’s plan to establish strong federal universities located in the 10 different regions.

Livanov said that at present there were 100-150 “good” private universities whose further development would be supported by the state. At the same time, the cuts would also affect some stateowned universities. As part of the plans, up to 100 universities will be subject to quality assessments over the next few months and this may result in some being closed. The process is set to be completed by the middle to the end of 2016.

The latest plans have been welcomed by some of Russia’s leading employers. German Gref, President of Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank which employs about 240,000 workers, said the nation needed a transition to a new model of education. “At present, the majority of Russian students, teachers and employers are unhappy with the quality of higher education. Culled: University World News

Expert advises students on risk management Saidat Alausa

Cross section of students of Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe during their matriculation ceremony, on Monday.

he Director, Association of Enterprise Risk Management, Mr. Olayinka Odutola has said that all financial institutions must be knowledgeable in risk management because occasion will arise that will subject the knowledge to test. He said this at the 2nd Town and Gown interactive seminar series of the Department of Banking and Finance, Covenant University,

Ota, Ogun State, recently. Presenting a paper titled, “Enterprise Risk Management in Financial Institutions,” he said that risk taking could come in any form; it could be through the inadequacies of people, processes, systems or even external events such as market failures or government’s instability, which could hamper all the management competencies at any given time. Odutola was of the opinion that calculated risk taking could give a well-established financial institution

advantage because a wise risk taker will use opportunities others are not seeing to gain advantage over them. He, however, enjoined participants at the seminar to always take advantage of the wisdom of God in the Bible in whatever risk they want to engage in. In his remark, the Head, Department of Banking and Finance, Dr. Ailemen Ikpefan, urged the students to make good use the knowledge gained in the seminar when they go into the work environment after graduation.

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Thursday, April 23, 2015

Edited by: Saidat Alausa saidat_alausa@yahoo.com 08027633686

z UNILAG students’ union congratulates Buhari

he President, University of Lagos Student’s Union, ULSU, Abiodun Martins, has congratulated the president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd) and the Governor-elect for Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode for their victory in the just concluded general elections. This was disclosed in a release by the Union signed by the office of the public relations. The release stated that the victory of the president elect at the polls, with votes across the length and breadth of our dear country, bears witness to the acceptance of his personality, ideology of justice, fair play and zero tolerance for corruption. “At this historic moment, it is most important to say a hearty thank you to all members of the University of Lagos Students Union who voted for General Buhari. Your votes have not just elected the first opposition party for the first time in sixteen years of our democracy; it has also set a precedence which will have positive implication across Africa. Congratulating the Governor elect for Lagos State, the union said his victory represents the hope of a new generation of University of Lagos students. “Your party has made a promise of change to our young people, to secure and continue to bring development to our dear state, create jobs and opportunities, and improve citizens’ welfare. The University of Lagos Students’ Union will stand behind you to ensure you keep those promises, just like we did during the elections,” it stated.

NANS president gets chieftaincy title Yakubu Temitope FEDPOLY, ADO EKITI.

he President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Tijani Shehu was recently coronated as the Ogah Ochonia Agah 1(UDEE) of Attah Igala in Kogi State. The event was witnessed by friends and well-wishers from the students’ community. Speaking to Campus News shortly after the ceremony, Tijani thanked all students who made it fit to attend the ceremony.

Tijani

Association of Professional Women Engineers, APWEN, officials with some participants at the 2nd edition of Engineering Ladies Day, organised by Engineering Society, University of Lagos, Akoka at the institution, recently.

NAUS issues Imoke, Wada one-week ultimatum to reopen universities EDDY UWOGHIREN

300L, MED AND SURGERY, UNIBEN

he National Association of Universities Students (NAUS) has condemned the continuous closure of the Cross Rivers State University of Science and Technology (CRUTECH) and the Kogi State University (KSU) Anyigba, Kogi State over unpaid salary of workers. The body therefore gave one-week ultimatum to the governors of both states, Liyel Imoke of Cross River and Idris Wada of Kogi, who are also visitors to the institutions to reopen them otherwise they would stage a nationwide protest to draw public attention to the plight of the

students. Addressing newsmen at a press briefing held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital on Wednesday last week, National President of the association, Adekunle Jonathan stated that it was illegal for the university to be shut for over four months now over unpaid workers salary. He said, “Let it be known that NAUS strongly condemns the closure of the schools gates against students. The act is barbaric, ungodly and embarrassing to us as a student body. We also condemn the condition of the students and the welfare of the workers which ought to be the obligation of the state government that led to the

closure for over four months now.” Adekunle said by this press briefing, NAUS is passing a vote of no confidence in Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross Rivers State for his failure to adhere to the letter NAUS submitted to him on Tuesday, 17th March, 2015 to call the aggrieved lecturers for negotiation. “We are demanding that the workers be paid their salaries within one week so that our fellow students can return to school,” he said. Adekunle also used the occasion to appeal to Captain Idris Wada of Kogi State to immediately resolve the crises rocking the Kogi State University which has

made the Academic Staff Union Of Universities (ASUU) gone on strike leading to closure of the university. Stressing that NAUS was becoming worried over the failure of government to pay workers their entitlements and the rising spate of strikes in Nigerian ivory tower, Adekunle pleaded with politicians to keep to their promises by paying workers their salaries. He revealed that NAUS was giving Wada and Imoke one week to re-open the universities or else the student body would stage a massive protest nationwide to draw public attention to the plight of the students.

Be transparent, VC tells AAU student leaders Yomi Ayeleso

300L BUS ADMIN AAU, AKUNGBA-AKOKO

he Vice-Chancellor, Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun has advised student leaders in the institution to imbibe the spirit of responsibility, transparency and fairness as they lead other students. He said this at the opening of a 3-day leadership training workshop organised by the university for its Student Union leaders. According to him, the entire students of the university have given them mandate to take decisions on their behalf therefore they must give their welfare top priority. The workshop was theme, “Leadership and responsible unionism.” The VC, represented by his deputy in charge of Academics, Prof. Oluyemisi Adebowale warned them to always comport themselves in

Ajibefun a manner that will improve on their character traits. He also told them to key into AAUA family code in student unionism which includes the

use of dialogue in all situations, respect for superior argument, respect for constituted authorities, financial prudence, among others. The VC said the annual training workshop was designed to induct and integrate them into the procedures of unionism in order to ensure effective performance. In his remark, the Acting Dean of the Student Affairs, Dr. Bolanle Ogungbamila said the effort had yielded some positive results as the university has not witnessed any disruption of its academic calender due to negative activities of the students’ union. Speaking with Campus News after the training, the senate President of the union, Joseph Akinkuotu appreciated God for the opportunity and also the student affairs division for the programme. He said the training have exposed him to many new things as regards student unionism and leadership urging the management to sustain the programme.

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Thursday, April 23, 2015

Edited by: Saidat Alausa saidat_alausa@yahoo.com 08027633686

OAU launches ‘Great Ife Application’ Afeez Lasisi

300L, POL. SC. OAU, ILE-IFE

he much anticipated “Great Ife Application” has been launched by the outgoing students’ Union leaders of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife last Friday to further enhance communications and interactions among students, alumni and lecturers of the university. The Great Ife Application according to the union leaders was the first of its kind in Nigeria. The launch took place at ICT building of the university. Speaking at the launch, Olatayo Shittu, the outgoing General Secretary of the union said that Ibikunle-led administration had fulfilled the promises he made to students during his campaign. He said:” Ibikunle has has done more than expectations, and I’m happy that I am part of the successful team. I know you will be criticised on this great achievement, but I know when you leave this university, you will be remembered for good.” Speaking at the launch, the guest speaker, Prof Ader-

ounmu Director of Information Technology and Communication Unit (INTECU) said he had made up his mind never to interfere or interact with the students’ union. You, Ibikunle will recall that the first day you came to my office; I nearly chased you out, because the only thing you students know is to cause trouble in the name of ‘Aluta.’ “But when you told me about your plan, I quickly changed my mind. Nobody is telling you not to fight for your right, but you must do it in a proper way, not through violence. The university authority and lecturers are ready to assist you only if you come up with good ideas and innovation that will benefit the generality of OAU students. “This is a good innovation that the upcoming administration must continue,” Prof Aderounmu said. In his view, Fasasi Lukman, a 200-level Management and Accounting said he never doubt the capability of the Ibikunle-led administration.

UNIJOS has zero tolerance for tribalism —VC

James Abraham JOS

ewly matriculated students of the University of Jos have been warned to do away with tribalism in their dealings with one another throughout their stay on campus and after graduation. Vice- Chancellor of the university, Professor Hayward Mafuyai gave the advice during the 2014/2015 matriculation ceremony held at the institution’s Multi-Purpose Auditorium on Monday. A total of 6,700 fresh students were admitted into various degree programmes offered by the institution. The VC told the students that since the establishment of the Institution 39 years ago there has never been any religious riot experience in the institution. He appealed to the newly matriculated students to be

one another keeper, saying the Institution does not in any way promote tribalism or nepotism. “As you situate yourselves to these opportunities, you are urged to imbibe the spirit of one Nigeria in which citizens live together in peace and brotherhood, you must reject any suggestions to the contrary and go on to forge positive relations across tribe, religion.” The Vice chancellor charged the students to dress well during their academic session, saying already he has directed the security at the campus to ensure strict compliance of the dress code. He advised the students to take their academic serious and explained that JAMB has rate the University of Jos as the ninth most preferred University of studies during the admissions exercise for 2014/2015 academic session and encourages all students to dress to acceptable standard.

UNILORIN students against child abuse Zainab Yussuf 400L, UNILORIN

tudents of University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) have shown their commitment to the war against child abuse by using this year’s University Inter-faculty Dance to address the issue. The inter-faculty dance is one of the competitions that attract large audience in the campus. This year’s edition, scheduled for four consecutive Saturdays starting from the 18th of April is organised by

Strictly Street Dancers under the SS Dance Company. One of those to serve as judges, who gave his name as Nas Magnificent told Campus News that SSD is a dance company sets out to prove to the world that the street represents the world with dancing to effect a change. He added that each Saturday of the competition would come with different type of dance ranging from hip hop, contemporary, local and ball room dance with contestants scoring based on their costume, attitude, stage management,

precision and crowd response. Nas who is also a member of SSDC said dance supersedes entertainment thus, the reason for tagging this year’s edition of the annual event “War against child abuse.” He noted that representatives of each faculty would showcase their choice dance to reflect war against child abuse, identifying Arts, Education, Science, Engineering, Business and Social Sciences, Communication and Information Sciences as some of the expected faculties.

From fifth (L-R:), Registrar, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Dr. Olumuyiwa Oludayo; Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Ayo; lecturer, Prof. Tokunbo Ogunfunmi; Education Secretary, Living Faith Church; Prof. Bridget Sokan; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Taiwo Abioye; Dean School of Postgraduate, Prof. Charles Ogulogu; Dean College of Leadership, Prof. Aize Obayan and other lecturers during the institution’s 41st public lecture, recently.

My vision in office —UNILAG SUG President Martins Abiodun, a 300-level student of Science and Technology is now the President of Students’ Union, University of Lagos, Akoka. He speaks in this interview with MIFTAUDEEN RAJI (100L, Mass Comm.) about his vision for the union. ties have also promised to be giving the union subvention. With that, my administration will from time to time embark on programmes that will enhance our studies and make us total students.

Student unionism is finally backed in UNILAG with the inauguration of a new executive, what’s your vision for the union? My vision is to first of all see that the union is sustained. I want to leave UNILAG and continue to see that the union is in existence. The event that led to its proscription 10 years ago is still very fresh in our memory and we don’t want a repeat of it. I want the union to continue thrive and bring about its objectives to the life of students. What are your plans and programmes for the students? We might not have much time to operate, but with the little time we have, we are going to do our possible best. First and foremost, students’ welfare is what is most important to us and we are working tirelessly to get this for them. We will also encourage students and motivate them towards academic excellence and part of it we have career fair, UNILAG Challenge like quiz competition, UNILAG Olympics where all faculties will come together for competition.

Abiodun How do you intend to finance these programmes? Well, it might look somehow hard. But I believe in one thing, UNILAG is a good brand. So, if we have good proposals, there will be sponsors. Actually, we don’t have money because we don’t charge dues for now but we believe our alumni and friends of the university as well as corporate bodies will assist when we approach them. The school authori-

What is the union’s plan on security on campus? Security is a serious issue in the country. But then it is not advisable to expose security plans on pages of newspapers. All I will say is that at the union level, we will cooperate and support the security unit on campus and all other stakeholders because security is everybody’s business. You were once Students Union President at the Federal College of Education Technical (FCET) Akoka, how will you compare unionism at FCET with that of UNILAG? Students’ unionism is the same anywhere. The difference is in concept and not orientation. However, the problems of students in one institution may differ from the other as well as type of leaders that are in charge.

“I

Thursday, April 23, 2015

NEC’s residential (resident) officer (official)….” (TVC, April 12) “As at 2012, the university admission ratio has (had) reflected the federal government’s directive of (on) 60:40 ratio in favour of postgraduate students” “NDIC, Polish bank enters (why?) into partnership” “Minister assures of improved services” Who did the minister assure—the object is very critical to the construction. Please note that ‘in the hot seat’ is British English, while ‘on the hot seat’ is American English.’ Which is your preference? The former is mine. By the way, what is the ‘Nigerian English’ version of it? “Mid-term report card: Jonathan lashes at critics” Collocational information: Jonathan lashes out at critics “The Honourable Minister for (of) Power….” But, Commissioner for Power…Niger State Government, take note! “NDLEA arrests two over (for or in connection with) trafficking at Lagos Airport” “The man regained his freedom on the payment of a whooping (whopping) ransom of N15 million.” “…has given a firm assurance that his government will stop at nothing to (at) reducing the menace to the barest minimum in the state.” “…and like (as) Governor Fashola said, eternal vigilance should be the watch word (watchword).” “I misled Middle Belt to vote for Jonathan” Politics Today: I misled Middle Belt into voting for Jonathan “…he has been able to repay back N20 billion.” Delete ‘back’ and move forward!

Is there ‘Nigerian English’?

“Osuntokun scores Jonathan low in education” My amiable and humanistic former lecturer scored GEJ low on (not in) education. An aside: Prof. Jide Osuntokun, thanks for all the biros and fatherly advice you gave to us during lectures almost three decades ago in UNILAG. I remember it all as if it were yesterday! God will continue to prosper you. I also fondly recollect another fine gentleman, the late Dr. Hakeem Haruna of History Department, for his unique didactic methodology. May his soul continue to rest in peace. “ABUAD: It can stand with world class (world-class) universities” “ABUAD students on life in the campus” Special Report: ABUAD students on life on campus—or, simply, ABUAD students on campus life, especially for headline purposes “Jonathan has no solution to Nigeria’s crisis” Definitely, Nigeria has more than one crisis: therefore crises. “SINOHYDRO…wishes to congratulate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR) (another comma) for (on/upon) the successful flagging off (inauguration, et al) and the Ground Breaking Ceremony (ground-breaking ceremony) for the….” “We further wish to congratulate the Honourable Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo (yet another comma) as well as his counterpart (colleague/deputy/partner/

assistant) the Honourable Minister of State, Hajiya Zainab Kuchi.” “Time for leaders to close rank (ranks)…” “Jang assures on welfare” Who did the governor assure? ‘Assure’ compulsorily takes an object. “Okorocha seeks on leadership training” Yank off ‘on’! “…the military lobby intensively for deployment into (in) the zone.” (Editorial) “To bring this to the attention of the decerning (discerning) investors, the Jigawa State Government is organising the first Economic and Investment Summit.” “Courts are not permitted to suo motu raise issues, resolve same (the same) without hearing from parties” “The good news came few (a few) hours before President Goodluck….” “…after overrunning three terrorists camps (terrorists’ camps) in the riotous….”

FEEDBACK

he African Students Union Parliament, ASUP, have honoured the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah for what it called his exemplary leadership roll particularly in sustaining the growth in the telecoms industry. Juwah got the Pan-African Servant Leadership Award from the 51-member countries for his hard work and dedication to national service. The event which took place in Abuja was described by the students who were led by the Speaker of the Parliament, Mr. Larota Chekibe, University Du Kokodi, Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire; Mr. Abotik Kwame Paul, University of Ghana, Legon; Mr. Nse Udoh Donald, Nasarawa

State University, Keffi; Miss Oyewoga Bilikis, Federal University of Technology, Minna; Mr. Nwankwo Henry, Nassarawa State University, Keffi and Miss Titana Angel Ngume, University of Duala, Cameroun as one of its finest moments. The speaker, who made the presentation on behalf of the union, said the parliament took time to scrutinize Juwah who has committed himself to service the common good in accordance with the Pan-African ideology by using his good offices as head of the NCC to implement policies that have provided a level playing field for telecom providers in Nigeria. Juwah was also recognised for making the telecom industry in Nigeria one of the best in Africa and around the world, protecting the consumers without compromising the rights and interests of service providers as well as protecting and promoted

the interests of consumers against unfair practices such as tariff, among others. Receiving the award, Dr. Juwah recalled that in 2014, the commission intervened in spreading digital penetration in Nigeria as core mandate noting that last year alone the Commission expended the sum of N1bn (One Billion Naira) for various projects in Nigerian Universities and Secondary Schools through the provision of laptops, desktops, digital content as well as internet access. He said that the NCC with this empower a number of universities and polytechnics with 1000 tablets each as learning tools so that when the students graduate, they will be digitally empowered to excel anywhere in the world. “Within our mandate, we have assisted the youth to achieve digital education lifestyle and they now have educational experience,” he said.

Note on Usage: “To have something handed to one on a silver platter”, meaning “to get or be given something without having to put any effort into it”, is a more or less formal idiom. E.g. A friend of Janet’s father has offered her a well – paid job in Abuja; it was handed to her on a silver platter while the rest of us have spent ages replying to advertisements and filling in application forms. Another special note: a formal idiom that has been fixed by usage, cannot be changed, restructed, altered or rearranged. For example, “on a silver platter” cannot be changed to “on a platter of gold”, I repeat, nobody has any licence – poetic, literary, journalistic, editorial, pastoral or papal to change a formal idiom. In January 1964, the late Dr. Tai Solarin wished all: “May Your Road Be Rough”, meaning “More power to your elbow – work harder! It is apt for you (BAYO OGUNTUNASE, 08056180046. Email: soloade12@yahoo.com) “BUT for Jega’s matured (mature, an adjective) response to the provocation...” The writer, on Page 14, THISDAY newspaper, April 4, needs to know that “matured” is a verb, either past tense or past participle. Also on Page 11, a jubilant youth was reported to have been killed by a policeman. An eyewitness told the newspaper that the “incidence” occurred “at about 9:00 p.m.”. Grammatically, “incident” is an event while “incidence” means a trend or the rate at which something happens. Second, “at” and “about” cannot be used together.

Schooling in London is often regarded as a privilege that never comes on a ‘”platter of gold” (silver platter/platter) to an average Nigerian. Here was the opportunity for me which I could have “gotten on a platter of gold” (got on a silver platter/platter). From a book entitled, DO YOUR BEST AND BE THE BEST (page 187). Politicians of the First Republic said our political independence was handed to us on a “platter of gold” (silver platter) by the Brit(KOLA DANISA, 07068074257) ish.

African Students’ Union honours NCC boss Isaiah Erhiawarien

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Students of Amville School, Lagos during a reading session at a programme organised by the school to mark Child Protection Day, recently.

Higher education: Madagascar seeks foreign partners’ support

adagascar’s government is seeking contributions from international partners to promote and equip higher education and research to be the ‘motor’ of its national development plan. Among the proposals is a competitive fund for innovation to finance research in priority sectors. Marie Monique Rasoazananera, minister for higher education and research, explained her plans to members of the country’s technical and financial partners, or PTF, group which includes international donor organ-

isations such as the World Bank, United Nations Development Programme and AFD, the French Development Agency. She told them: “The state is engaged through the programme of public investment in equipping the laboratories of the national scientific research centres each year,” reported L’Express de Madagascar. “However, we need 10 million [US$10.8 million] to finance the national scientific research strategy. The aim is to make higher education and scientific research a true motor of development.”

Business Thursday, April 23, 2015

Importers condemn illegal retention of consignments

Postal Bill: Courier operators rue bill’s neglect, 10 years after31

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Brands’ Marketing: Ripping off unwary consumers through spurious promos

We’ve not increased crude supply to market –OPEC TOLA AKINMUTIMI

he Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, said yesterday morning that oil production in member countries remained at 30 million bpd thus laying to rest speculations about that it had increased volume of supply to market by 800,000million barrels per day (mbp/d) OPEC’s Head OPEC media relations, Mr James Griffin, was quoted by an online medium, Per Seconds News, as saying that the figures might have been based on calculations gathered from its monthly oil market report which is based on marketers, secondary and independent sources. The cartel restated that production remained at 30mbp/d. Griffin clarified that only at the ministerial meeting can the issue of crude oil production increase be discussed and decisions made. According to secondary sources, total OPEC crude oil production averaged 30.79 mb/d in March, an increase of 0.81 mb/d over the previous month. Crude oil output increased mostly from Saudi Arabia and Iraq, while Libya saw a return of about 165 tb/d from shut-in wells in active oil fields. The secondary sources report

indicated that OPEC crude oil production, not including Iraq, stood at 27.16 mb/d in March, down by 0.49 mb/d over the previous month. It was reported that independent markers and other secondary sources revealed that preliminary data in world oil supply indicated that global oil supply increased by 0.90 mb/d to average 94.52 mb/d in March 2015 compared with the previous month. The increase of non-OPEC supply as well as OPEC crude oil production in March caused the rise in global oil output. According to the OPEC crude

oil production report based on direct communication, there has been a decline Nigeria’s production by -112.7mb/d for the months of February/March 2015. While secondary sources said the decline is -38mb/d. The decline also affects all production in Africa as non-OPEC producers in Africa is expected to decline by 10 tb/d to average 2.41 mb/d. This indicates a downward revision by 10 tb/d compared with the last monthly report. Some growth is forecast in Congo as well as Equatorial Guinea at 10 tb/d each. OPEC President, Mrs Diezani

Alison-Madueke, had at the 166th Ordinary Meeting of the organization in Vienna, Austria, last November disclosed that world oil demand in 2015 will grow by around 1.1 million barrels per day, with total consumption at around 92.3 million barrels per day with the bulk of this net oil demand growth coming from non OECD countries. The recent price developments signaled that the oil market is currently searching for stability and balance, which will be focus of deliberations at the next ministerial meeting scheduled for June 2015.

oreign airlines operating in and out of Nigeria earn at least $ billion from the country annually. This amount represents 50 per cent of the $10bn capital flight out of Africa by foreign airlines yearly. The Chairman, Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, Captain Nogie Meggison, gave this figure earlier in the week during an interview with our correspondent at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Lagos.

AIRLINES’ FLIGHT SCHEDULES Dana Air Abuja-Lagos 9am, 1pm, 5.28pm daily Lagos-Abuja 7am, 11am, 1.23pm,3.30pm daily Lagos-PH: 7.20AM, Ph-Abuja9.54am, Abuja-ph: 3.30pm and Ph-Lagos: 5.28pm daily Lagos-Uyo: 9.20am, Uyo-Abuja: 11.07am, Abuja-Uyo 1.05pm, Uyo-Lagos: 3pm daily Weekends Lagos-Abuja: 7.02am, 9am, 3.30pm Abuja-Lagos: 9am, 2.20pm and 5.28pm Lagos -Phc: 11.07am Phc-Lagos: 1.05pm Phc-Abuja: 12.51pm Abuja-Phc: 10.50am Lagos-Uyo: 9.18am Uyo-LOS -3.03pm Uyo-Abuja: 11.07am Abuja-Uyo: 1.05pm

Aero Contractors

From right: Speaker of the House of Reps and Governor – Elect of Sokoto State, Hon Aminu Tambuwal, Chairman of nahco aviance, Mallam Suleiman Yahyah, MD/CEO of the Company, Mr. Norbert Bielderman and a Director of the Company, Arc Usman Arabi Bello, during a courtesy call on Tambuwal by the Company’s Board in Sokoto on Monday.

Foreign airlines earn $5bn yearly from Nigeria –AON boss OLUSEGUN KOIKI

Meggison disclosed further that international carriers like Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and the United Arab Emirates, UAE; carriers Emirates and Etihad Airways repatriated to their various countries more than $2 billion from the country in 2013. He said that Nigeria could reverse the trend by not only taking what belonged to it as far as aviation was concerned, but also by adding that of other African countries to its own due to its strategic location in the continent. On foreign investors investing in Nigeria, Meggison said, that investors could only invest in

the country’s aviation when the Federal Government created the enabling environment, stressing that business people would come and form partnership with Nigerian companies and take sector to where it should be. Meggison further negated the call for re-establishment of a national carrier for the country, describing it as archaic. Rather, he craved for establishment of a flag carrier for the country. He opined that the Federal Government should only have a contributing share of 10 per cent in the proposed flag carrier,

stressing that this would allow investors to bid, exhibit their competencies, technical capabilities and even go into joint venture. He said, “Today, we are talking of $10 billion aviation capital flight in Africa and apart from Nigeria being responsible for over 50 per cent of that money, we can reverse the trend not only by taking our own, but take that of other African countries to join ours because we are the big brother and we have a strategic location. “The idea of a national carrier is archaic. Rather, we should have a flag carrier.’’

Lag-Abj: 06.50, 13.30, 16.30, 19.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun), 12.30 (Sun) 16.45 (Sat) Abj-Los: 07.30, 13.00, 19.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat, 10.30, 14.30, 19.30 (Sun, 18.30 Sat) Lag-Benin: 07.45, 11.00, 15.30 (Mon-Fri/Sat/ Sun) 12.30 (Sun 15.30 (Sat) Ben-Lag: 09.15, 12.30, 17.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 17.00 (Sat) 14.00 (Sun)Lag-Owe: 7.45am, 2pm daily

Med-View Airline Lagos- Abuja (Mon-Fri): 07.00, 08.50, 12.00, 16.30. Abuja- Lagos (Mon-Fri): 09.00, 14.00, 15.00, 18.30. Lagos-Yola (Mon-Fri): 8.50am. Yola-Lagos (Mon-Fri): 13.00. Lagos- PHC (Mon-Fri): 17.00. PHC-Lagos: 19.00. Abuja-Yola: 11.00. Yola-Abuja: 13.00. Lagos-Abuja (Sat): 08.00, 08.50. Abuja-Lagos (Sat): 10.00, 15.00. Lagos-PHC (Sat): 17.00. PHC-Lagos (Sat): 19.00. Lagos-Yola (Sat): 08.50. Yola-Lagos (Sat): 13.00

Business News

Thursday, April 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FCMB supports SMEs with N122m credit TOLA AKINMUTIMI

irst City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited has again demonstrated its commitment to the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country by disbursing additional funds totalling N122 million to such businesses. Some of the latest beneficiaries of the credit, which the management stated would be further increased in the months ahead, include, Health Products and Farms Limited, Midows Limited (both based in Lagos); Everlasting Hands Limited, in Kaduna state and God’s Will Technical Services Limited, located in Ogun state. The Bank in a statement issued on Tuesday explained that its increased support to SMEs was in

line with its corporate value as a helpful bank and contribution to the success of such businesses considering the key role they play in driving national economic growth and the well-being of the people, especially in the areas of employment and poverty eradication. According to the Group Head, Business Banking of FCMB, Mr. George Ogbonnaya, the Bank realised that SMEs continue to play critical roles in the growth of the nation’s economy and as agents of growth, FCMB was committed to helping these businesses thrive and contribute to the development of the country. He added that, ‘’we understand that a number of factors combine to determine the success or failure of SMEs. We will continue to support our customers operating in the SMEs segment to overcome

the challenges they usually face, especially at the take-off stage. We want to be part of their success story’’. Ogbonnaya pointed out that with statistics showing that over 17million SMEs are registered in Nigeria and contribute significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), FCMB realises the strategic importance of this sector. While reiterating the commitment of the Bank to ensure the successful disbursement

and utilisation of the MSME fund, he urged operators in the SME business to avail themselves of the opportunities being provided by the Bank to boost their businesses. Speaking on the Bank’s support to his business, the Managing Director of Everlasting Hands Limited, Mr. Celestine Okolie, commended the Bank for adding value to his firm. ‘’I consider the fund from FCMB very okay to take my busi-

ness to greater heights. The process of applying and accessing the money was very fast and easy. I appreciate the service I have enjoyed at FCMB’’. Another beneficiary and Managing Director of God’s Will Technical Limited, Mr. Akeem Hassan, praised the Bank for putting in place an enabling environment for SMEs to access the fund. ‘’It was very easy and a seamless process to receive the amount I applied for’’, he said.

KADCCIMA lauds Dangote Group on Kaduna Trade Fair

he Kaduna State Chamber of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) has described Dangote Group’s sponsorship of the upcoming 36thKaduna International Trade Fair as yet another huge contribution to the Nigerian economy by a single business entity. The fair is coming as the Dangote conglomerate scaled up its business frontiers which also align with the Fair’s theme of: “Promoting Domestic Production for National Sustainable Economic Development.” Speaking to newsmen, Director General of the Chamber, Usman Saulawa, said the Nigerian economy will be bolstered as, apart from the Dangote conglomerate and a broad spectrum of local business groups, investors and traders from at least nine countries will be represented. “The Chamber does not have a good relationship with the Dangote Group. It has an excellent relationship with the company. The Dangote Group has always

supported us right from time,” he said. He said the Group, as it were, will be one of the biggest partners of the Chamber at the Trade Fair that opens on Friday April 24, 2015 to Sunday May 3, 2015. Speaking also, President of the Chamber, Dr Abdul Alimi Bello said the success history of the Kaduna International Trade Fair will never be completed without mentioning the contribution of the Dangote Group, amongst other partners that have helped in making the trade fair a global event of some sort. According to him, this year, the Dangote pavilion and products are expected to add great value as the flagship of the fair this year. Meanwhile, in a statement signed by the Dangote Group’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the Group is sponsoring the fair as part of its determination to support the Nigerian economy and make it a hub for trade in Africa.

L-R: Ms Loretta Mcner; Director Transport Security Administration, (TSA) Mr David Basset; Personal Assistant to Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority (FAAN) Mr. Ma’azu Dahir; Managing Director /Chief Execitive Officer, FAAN Engr. Saleh Dunoma, and, General Manager, Planning, Multilateral Relation and Data Management, FAAN , Mrs. Nse Ikiddeh, during the 53rd Airports Council International (ACI) Board meeting and regional conference holding at Casablanca, Morroco .

Oshiomhole charges NLC to engage new govt on industrial policy

do State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) to encourage the incoming administration to revisit the nation’s industrial policy. The former NLC President also urged the congress to engage governors who are owing workers to pay before their disengagement from the office. Oshiomhole spoke during a courtesy visit to the newly elected NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba at the headquarters office, Abuja. He said labour should not only be interest in the issue of wages,

but also the policies of government which have the potential to rob in on the salary gained. According to him, “What determines the quality of life of a worker is not just the factor of the volume of his wages. It is the overall way in which economy is managed, including the provision of Infrastructure, and government social policies. If you debate on wage issue alone, and unable to find voice on critical national micro-economic issues, wages cannot deliver on posterity. “You need to encourage the incoming government to revisit Nigeria industrial policy. There has to be some coherence in our

policy such that textile industry can come back to produce the cloth and fabrics made by the Nigerian workers so that we can generate employment. We must also encourage the incoming President to discontinue importation of tyres . Dunlop must come back, Michelin must return. You can help the next government to evolve policy that is pro-poor.” In order to be able to confront some of the issues affecting the lives of Nigerian workers, the governor called on the union to remain united, adding that the best interest of workers could only be served in togetherness.

NECA urges new govt on Public, OPS partnership MESHACK IDEHEN

he Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has urged the President-elect, General Mohammadu Buhari (rtd), should give the economy, security, and employment generation priority in the agenda of the new government.

The President of NECA, Mr. Larry Ettah, told journalists on Tuesday in Lagos that Buhari must initiate policies that would in the short run, ensure security of lives and properties as well as create an enabling environment that would create job opportunities for youths in the country. He enjoined the Presidentelect to also carry the Organised Private Sector (OPS) along in his

administration through dialogue and consultation, in the formulation and execution of key economic policies. “We cautioned General Buhari, the President -elect that though the tasks ahead were onerous but they are however, not insurmountable as security, the economy and employment must be accorded priority in the agenda of the new government,” he said.

Speaking in the same vein, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Ayuba Wabba, said that jobs for youths must be considered as a priority by the government in order to achieve the goal of full and productive employment and decent work for Nigerians According to the NLC president, ambitious reforms are still needed by the incoming Govern-

ment led by General Buhari to create more productive, more dynamic and more inclusive job opportunities for the unemployed youths in the country. Wabba, however, called for renewed efforts by the incoming administration to increase employment opportunities, particularly for youths, by creating an enabling environment for private sector to thrive.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Nigeria should learn from China on infrastructure devt –Minister TOLA AKINMUTIMI

inister and Deputy Chairman, National Planning Commission (NPC), Dr. Abubakar Sulaiman, has said Nigeria had a lot to learn

from China’s rich infrastructure history in order to effectively implement its ongoing National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP) He therefore advised the incoming administration not to jettison the NIIMP but ensure it continuity

in view of the far-reaching benefits the country stands to gain at its completion. The minister, who gave the advice in a speech delivered by his Special Assistant on Media, Abdulrahman A. Abdulrauf, at the Bilateral seminar on Economy,

Diplomacy and management of Nigeria in 2015, held at Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO), Beijing, China, was quoted as saying that both countries could use their bilateral relations to impact on infrastructure development.

Stanbic IBTC, Access Bank partner Coscharis Motors on auto financing JOHNSON OKANLAWON

tanbic IBTC Bank, Access Bank and Coscharis Motors Limited, have launched a collaboration on auto finance scheme with value-added features for customers. Tagged ‘Coscharis Vehicle Finance Scheme, the two banks will provide credit facilities for the acquisition of cars by Coscharis customers on concessionary terms, including a competitive interest rate, flexible repayment period, simple documentation, quick and fast approvals, and 90 per cent finance on the value of the vehicle. A statement from Stanbic IBTC Bank quoted the Executive Director, Personal and Business

Banking, Mr. Obinnia Abajue, as saying that the partnership demonstrates the organization’s commitment to economic empowerment through strategic interventions that enable individuals and businesses achieve their goals. According to him, the partnership is unique in being the first time two financial institutions will be partnering with Coscharis Motors to empower people by making the acquisition of new vehicles of choice stress-free. He explained that a dedicated team of experienced professionals from vehicle and asset finance unit is available round the clock to deliver to Coscharis Motors and its customers excellent service and professional advice, in line with the terms of the part-

nership. With Nigeria’s positive economic outlook and further growth of the middle class, Abajue stated that the bank will continue to strengthen its position as the preferred destination for vehicle and asset acquisition financing, including the leasing of assets. He stressed that the bank remained confident that its strategy of building relationships in the automobile marketplace will continue to deliver long-term value to customers and partners, with its attendant positive impact on Nigeria’s economic development. He noted that the partnership with Coscharis Motors was a testament to the Bank’s commitment to the development of Nige-

ria’s automobile industry.” The auto finance scheme will cover a range of brands which include Ford, BMW, Land Rover, Jaguar, and MG, among others. The Deputy Group Managing Director, Coscharis Group, Mr. Okey Nwuke, said the partnership with the banks created a strong platform on which the firm’s customers can have access to financing at very competitive rates. In his remarks, the Executive Director, Personal Banking, Access Bank, Mr. Victor Etuokwu, stated that the major underlying objective of the partnership is to empower Nigerians and demystify the notion that the acquisition of new cars is only for the mighty and well-heeled.

Sulaiman queried that if we are in a bilateral relationship, why then can’t we follow suit by tilting towards this great nation and learn from their rich infrastructure history?” According to him, the 30-year developmental plan which is holistic in nature, is expected to gulp a whooping N485 trillion ($3.05 trillion), adding that the five-year operational plan of theNIIMP has since taken off and will be concluded in 2018. He called on Chinese investors to “come and be part of this laudable vision as it will further go a long way in strengthening the bilateral /economic ties between the two countries. Our country’s natural resources can only be effectively harnessed when and if the right infrastructures are in place.” In his remarks, Nigeria’s Ambassador to China, Olushola Patrick Onadipe, commended the Sino-Nigeria relationship, saying that the cordial relationship has bolstered bilateral trade volume to about $16 billion yearly. President of AIBO, Li Xiaoping commended the relationship between the two countries, adding that China is always willing to support development initiatives in other countries.

NDLEA announces drug trafficking slide on US, UK routes OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, said it has recorded significant success in drug trafficking along United States, U.S., and United Kingdom routes in recent time. NDLEA stated that there had been drastic reduction in the arrests of drug traffickers smuggling narcotics to the two countries. NDLEA, in a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju described the development as a reward for hard work. Ofoyeju however disclosed that its personnel have arrested an Ondo based timber merchant and a Lagos based electronic dealer at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos in connection with drug ingestion. The timber merchant, Ojo Sunday Akanmu Olusegun, 59 years old, NDLEA said was caught during the outward screening of passengers on a Delta Airline flight to New York, United States while the electronic dealer, Igweibuike Obinna, 47 years old was nabbed on a Virgin Atlantic flight to London Heathrow. NDLEA preliminary investigation according to Hamza Umar

the commander at the MMIA shows that OjoSunday Akanmu Olusegun who hails from Ilesha Osun State ingested 25 wraps of substances that tested positive for heroin weighing 1.090kg. Igweibuike Obinna, a native of Anambra State inserted six wraps in his anus and ingested 11 wraps making a total of 17 wraps of cocaine weighing 335 gramms. The last arrest of suspect leaving Nigeria to the United States at the Lagos airport was in May 2012 when one Orji Emeka Christian was apprehended with 1.250kg of heroin. Similarly the last arrest made on Nigeria-United Kingdom route was in October 2014 when one Onyechesi Chidi Christ was found with 25 grammes of cocaine on an Air France flight to Scotland. In 2013, there was also an arrest of one Uzobude Vitus Uju with 1.815kg of cocaine on a British Airways flight to London. The Chief Executive Officer, CEO, NDLEA state that this drastic reduction in arrest was due to the extra vigilance and mutual cooperation between Nigeria, US and UK. Giade stated that it had a feedback mechanism where arrest made on flights from Nigeria to the US and UK is communicated to the agency.

L-R: Head, Corporate Communications, Bank of Industry (BOI) Mrs. Hadiza Olaosebikan; Divisional Director, Large Enterprise, BOI, Mr. Joseph Babatunde; Comedian/Actor, Ayo Makun (AY), and Group Head, Creative Industry, BOI, Mrs. Cynthia Nwuka during a Business discussion between the Bank and AY in Lagos, recently.

MTN data centre scales global assessment test ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

n international assessment carried on MTN Nigeria data centre located at Ojota, Lagos has scaled a critical assessment index on power, security, cooling and disaster mitigation. As a result of the assessment, which was carried out by Uptime Institute, an internationally recognised evaluator of data centres; the facility was awarded the Tier III Certification for design. The MTN Data Centre was assessed on various criteria, all of

which were passed successfully. The Uptime Institute is an internationally recognised evaluator of data centres and has awarded 490 certifications in 66 countries across the globe. Established in 1993, its Tier classification system is widely accepted as the standardised methodology used in determining the functionality, capacity, availability and performance of data centres. Commenting on the result of the certification, Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Michael Ikpoki, hinted that the Tier III Certification award mirrors the depth of investment that the operator

has made in its network infrastructure. According to him, the implication of the Tier III Certification is that enterprise customers of MTN Nigeria are now assured that all elements of the critical infrastructure in the data centre are capable of enterprise-grade performance in terms of power, security, cooling and disaster mitigation in the event of a fire outbreak. The Data Centre can achieve 99.98 percent availability and can operate uninterrupted routine maintenance or equipment change, with only 1.6 hours interruption per year.

Business News

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Importers condemn illegal retention of consignments FRANCIS EZEM

mporters and freight forwarders operating at the nation’s seaports in Lagos have condemned the operatives of the Enforcement Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service over the increasing cases of arrest and detention of cleared and duly released containers at the ports. A top official of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders NAGAFF, Chief Hyacinth Okeke, disclosed that it had become the rule rather than the exception for officers and men of the Enforcement unit of the Service to order retention of a container at the exit gate after all the necessary clearing procedure have been concluded and release order issued. According to him, this ugly

incident, which has assumed a worrisome dimension especially in the last one year after the coming on stream of the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report PAAR regime under the new Destination Inspection, has brought untold hardship on both the importer and the freight forwarder handling the delivery of the consignment. He also disclosed that some corrupt officers now use this avenue to extort money from the importers or their agents, capitalising on the fact that the owner of the consignment would not want his already cleared consignment to be detained for too long at the Enforcement Unit and so they comply with anything they are asked to do. “It has become normal for enforcement unit officers to brandish retention orders to an importer or his agent at the last port

exit over allegations that there are incriminating items in the consignment and mind you the container is already seated on the truck ready to head for the importer’s warehouse”, he regretted. It was gathered that there had been times when some operatives of the unit would, based on security tip-off, order the arrest and detention of certain containers, which are re-examined and released immediately if it is established that nothing incriminating is found on it. Investigations however showed that some undisciplined officers in the units now capitalise on the helplessness of importers and their agents to order the detention of their consignments and compel them to pay unauthorized sums refusal of which would prolong the non release of their containers.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Samsung’s Galaxy S6 Edge, S6 Duos debut in Nigerian market ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

amsung Electronics has launched into the Nigerian market the most advanced smartphones in its stable, the Galaxy S6 edge and S6 duos. The devices were formally unveiled in Lagos. Successors to the Galaxy S5 which was released in 2014, the Galaxy S6 edge and S6 duos are a blend of premium components with the most advanced Samsung technology. They are imbued with incredibly intelligent cameras, and have set a new industry standard for design, craftsmanship and performance, redefining the company’s signature Galaxy series, introducing the new galaxy. Managing Director of Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Brovo Kim, said that the new Galaxy S6 edge and S6 duos highlight the most refined phone experience ever by combining the latest technology that users expect from

Samsung’s Galaxy series. Kim reiterated the company’s commitment to fulfilling its brand promise of inspiring the world and creating the future by bringing new and outstanding innovations to the doorstep of consumers, saying that “Our innovative technology has adequately captured customers’ aspirations and desires.” The Galaxy S6 edge has the world’s first-ever dual curved edge display, which distinguishes the device as the ultimate premium smartphone. Samsung has clearly placed a particular focus on intelligent camera, futuristic design and super-fast charging. The Galaxy S6 duos is the dual SIM version of the S6 which has flat style screen. Some of the exceptional features of the Galaxy S6 Edge include People Edge, Edge Lighting and Information Stream. The people edge and edge lighting work simultaneously.

Nestlé Nigeria donates boreholes to community DAVID AUDU

estlé Nigeria donated two water boreholes to Orile-Imo community, located next to its Flowergate Factory, near Owode-Egba in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State. About 10,000 community members will now have access to safe and clean water. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of Nestlé Nigeria, Mr.Dharnesh Gordhon said they are committed to improving Staff of Nigeria investment promotion commission protesting alleged mismanagement of the commission by the current Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Saratu Umar, in Abuja on Tuesday. access to water and sanitation across our value chain. We believe there is a clear and compelling economic case for businesses to demonstrate leadership by ada leading role in this direction, which is ‘Collaboration for Safe, dressing lack of access to safe waOLUSEGUN KOIKI stressing that the conference Secure and Sustainable Aviawould offer the airport landlords tion in Africa’ the statement said he Federal Airports Au- in the continent an excellent op- would address improvements in thority of Nigeria, FAAN, portunity to share their experi- aviation safety and security in the has lent its voice to collabo- ences and best practices in sus- light of new threats affecting the hinese automaker Geely ration plans among aviation part- tainable development as well as in industry. is set to start producing a airport safety and security . ners to address major challenges Also, the Director-General of small crossover utility veHe explained that the introducin the development of air transACI worldwide, Angela Gittens, hicle late next year - the first car to tion of the aviation portal, toll port in the continent. dwelled on the benefits of collabobe built using a common platform free call centres and the liberaliThe agency in a statement by ration within the industry from jointly developed with Volvo. sation of the aviation sector had its General Manager, Corporate the perspective of the airports. The car yet to be named - will stimulated awareness and growth Communications, Mr. Yakubu Earlier, while welcoming delhit showrooms in China in early in the sector. Dati, hinted that the Managing egates, President of ACI Africa, 2017, several European markets He said, “Nigerian airports are Director, FAAN, Engr. Saleh DuPascal Komla said the event would a year or so later, and eventually playing important international noma canvassed this position at provide a unique opportunity for the United States, said two senior the ongoing 53rd Airports Council roles in linking the most populous aviation executives, experts and executives, one of whom recently International, ACI, Africa board country in the African continent exhibitors from across the globe left the Chinese group. meeting and Regional conference to the rest of the world, and the to network, share information The new car will be based on a and exhibition taking place at containment of the Ebola virus and forge a common vision for common platform called Compact remains a shining example of a Casablanca, Morocco. the future businesses of African Modular Architecture (CMA) Dunoma emphasied that the successful collaboration.” and engine technology that ZheThe theme of the conference, Airports. agency would continue to play

FAAN supports partnership among African Airports

ter in rural areas.” The WHO estimates that every person needs 50 to 100 litres of fresh water per day to meet their basic daily needs.But, more than 63 million people in Nigeria still don’t have access to safe water. Lack of access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene can cause illness or death, impairs productivity, and restricts markets for some products and services. Improved water availability and access is essential for rural development and quality of life in the communities Nestlé depends on for manufacturing and for raw material supply. In his response, His Royal Highness, Oba Matthew Kolawole Olubiyi,Olu of Orile-Imo thanked NestléNigeria for the donation.

Geely gears up for push into Europe, U.S

jiang Geely Holding Group has developed with Volvo Cars, the struggling Swedish automaker it bought from Ford Motor Co nearly five years ago. Geely’s cooperation with Volvo, a storied brand best known for its focus on safety, is seen as a possible model for Chinese companies trying to digest and manage acquired consumer brands. When Geely chairman Li Shufu pounced on Volvo, many doubted that a relative newcomer could turn around the loss-making, 87-year-old company while protecting its more upmarket brand.

Thursday, April 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Info Tech

Postal Bill: Courier operators rue bill’s neglect, 10 years after Worried by the huge financial losses lack of a credible regulator is causing postal and courier services operators in the country , some aggrieved stakeholders are set to brace all hurdles and canvass the passage of the Postal and Courier Services Commission Bill, after over 10 years of its submission to the National Assembly for enactment into law. ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN captures the position of the stakeholders on the pending Bill.

n what could be likened to a desperate move to get a credible regulator for the courier services sector in Nigeria, some key stakeholders have intensified pressure on the National Assembly to pass into law, the Postal and Courier Services Commission Bill into law, after staying in its hallowed chambers for almost a decade. The private courier services companies, which began operation in the country shortly after independence in 1960, have since then been operating without a regulatory framework with the attendant negative implications for the development of the sector and investment returns for operators. After several years of waiting endlessly for a regulatory regime that would guide the players on how best to operate for national economic benefits, the operators and other stakeholders are set to pursue the agenda of a law for the sub-sector of the communication industry with renewed vigour before the end of this current National Assembly and by so doing, place the issue of the bill in the front burner of legislative deliberations whenever the 9th Assembly is inaugurated. Investigations revealed that Presidentelect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari in 1985 split the then Department of Post and Telecommunication, P & T into Nigeria Telecommunications, NITEL and Nigeria Postal Service, NIPOST thereby placing the regulation of the industry in the hands of a department, Courier Regulatory Department, CRD, which is within the NIPOST. The CRD since then has been regulating the sector industry but the enormous potentials of the industry as indicated by its sporadic growth as well as the currently dwindling fortune of the sector recently has prompted some stakeholders to call for an urgent reform. In 2002, a group of private courier operators got together in Lagos and formed an association, Association of Nigeria Courier Operators, ANCO, which today has become a mouthpiece for private courier operators in Nigeria. President of the Association, Oladapo Siyanbola in chat said that the call for the courier industry reform was cardinal for the formation of the Association years ago stating that major landmark feat that the sector is waiting to experience is the passage of the Postal and Courier Services Commission bill into law. According to him, what the industry has now as a regulator is the Courier Regulatory Department, CRD, within NIPOST, noting

WE STILL OBTAIN TRADE PERMIT OR EMBLEM FROM SEVERAL SOURCES EVEN WHEN OUR PARCELS ARE ON

TRANSIT, AND IF WE FAIL TO MEET OUR DELIVERY TIME, IT AFFECTS OUR

Siyanbola

that it does not have the powers to regulate, transform and protect the postal sector. The top industry player revealed that since the split of P & T and NITEL in 1985, there has not been an noticeable reform in the entire Postal sector noting that it has negatively affected the growth of the sector so much that the numbers of private courier operators in the country has dropped from 293 to merely 80. National Mirror gathered that the agitation for reform in the sector began in 2004 when the first Courier Summit was held in Lagos, which culminated to the demand for a Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission. Siyanbola explained that the Postal and Courier Services Commission bill was sent to the 6th and 7th National Assembly for

BUSINESS debate and subsequent passage but was not passed until the end of the two Assemblies, expired. He added that an executive bill was later send to the Assembly for consideration and passage stating that if not passed into law before the life of the current Assembly ends, it means sponsors of the Bill will have to start afresh thereby protracting the misfortunes of the Postal and Courier Services sector. While expressing optimism that the passages of Bill will address the current problem of lack credible regulator for the sector, he cited the examples of countries such as Ghana, Ivory Coast and Tanzania and others will a regulatory Commissions overseeing the sub-sector.

The Managing Director, Swift Couriers Limited, Mr. Toyin Olufade while also supporting the call for the speedy passage of the Bill, disclosed that the sector has the capacity to create over 200,000 jobs noting that it has great benefit to the economy. He stated that the Bill will help to end unemployment in the country but that its impact on the economy is limited because it has no government saying that stakeholders in sector have visited the Communications Technology Minister, Mrs. Omobola Johnson but the visit did not change the status of the sector. He stated that NIPOST is failing because Nigerians are no longer reading or writing adding that the sector needs an enabling environment for it to thrive. Commenting on the issues, Executive Director, Moving Edge, a private courier operator, Mrs. Tolu Omamadaga, said the sector needed infrastructure revolution, which only the passages of Bill could guarantee saying that transport mode in the country is casuing huge losses to operators due to the present state of the roads across the country. “We still obtain trade permit or emblem from several sources even when our parcels are on transit, and if we fail to meet our delivery time, it affects our business. And most local governments across the country have formed the habit of damaging courier vehicles because of one form of taxes or the other”, she said. Reacting to the campaign for the passage of the Bill, Managing Director, PTL Courier Limited, Ms. Lara Okuneye, said, “We want to plead with the National Assembly to pass the Bill before the expiration of their tenure. If we they have done that three years ago, we would have started reaping the benefit by now.” Another stakeholder, Managing Director, TransRoyal Courier Limited, Mrs. Vivian Okeke blamed the proliferation of some online marketing portal that now engage in courier business on the lack of a credible regulatory commission. She said that all of them have added courier business to their core business saying that Ghana has a legal framework that is helping the sector there to grow while the government is also giving support to the operators. Publicity Secretary of ANCO, Adeojo Toyin said that lack of a credible regulatory commission was creating frustration for the operators, saying that presently operators are worried about when Bill will be passed into law.

Info Tech

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Tech Box Hitech bed that gets you the desired sleep

Vodacom crashes internet cost for Nigerian users STORIES: ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

he connection Vodacom Business Nigeria global network to the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, IXPN, may crash the cost internet transport costs. The new development, which entails IXPN providing a platform that allows several Internet Service Providers, ISPs, and network operators in Nigeria to exchange traffic between their networks by means of peering agreements based on transparency and confidentiality will also ensure faster access to local

fter some trial and error, this mattress will help you get more high-quality sleep. For those who have trouble sleeping, having a few options available can help you count a few more sheep. The futon in the den might work for a night or two, or a maybe a radio that plays ocean sounds and helps you doze off faster. The Sleep Number i8 is a smart way to solve the problem. It’s expensive but the controls are easy for anyone to use, and the results were undeniable. The i8 mattress comes with a base on legs, extra pillowcases, a mattress cover, and even a plush bedspread (items not included in the price of the mattress). Apart from all of the tech features the mattress itself is designed to send you to la-la land quickly. Even reading the specs makes one sleepy. There’s three inches of foam padding in a 13inch fabric top cover that uses antimicrobial agents and woven material to keep you from getting too hot or too cold. Seven “zones” in the foam are designed to accommodate common pressure points (think elbows and knees). It’s a queen-sized bed meant for a king (or queen). The tech is interesting because it really encourages trial and error. After each night, you get a Sleep Number rating that’s usually somewhere between 50 and 90. It’s essentially a measure of how well you slept, how much you moved around, and how often you got out of bed. If you dial in a Sleep Number setting of 50, for example, and then get a rating of 70 for the night, you can try a higher or lower setting to see if your

score improves. Call it the gamification of sleep, but few people score higher than 90. The mattress uses two air chambers—on each side of the bed—to increase or reduce its firmness to accommodate you and your bedfellow’s preferences. The company also provides printed materials, web info, and even tech-support folks who can explain how your diet, when you go to bed, how often you exercise, and other factors can affect your sleep patterns. The Sleep Number i8 is a barebones “tech” mattress that connects to your existing Wi-Fi network, so you can monitor your sleep from anywhere—not just on your home network. Sleep Number’s Sleep IQ app is available for Android and iOS. AS shown here, there’s also a browser-based version for Macs and PCs. It even had a vibration/massage mode. Sleep Number also offers higher-end beds with adjustable bases and vibration options, but the basic tech features are the same. The Sleep Number i8 remote control is also bare bones. You can adjust the firmness of the left and right sides independently, and you can see your sleep score, but that’s about it. An added feature that let me see my history for the week would have been handy; once I found the ideal setting, I mostly forgot all about the remote. On the other hand, it’s remarkably helpful to make adjustments to your mattress as your sleep patterns change, so you can maintain the quality of your sleep. The Sleep Number i8 is an exceptional product that helps you enjoy waking hours even more.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

content as traffic is exchanged locally. Vodacom Business Nigeria recently announced that it has connected its global network to the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria thereby creating network latency. Vodacom Business Nigeria is the first enterprise solutions provider connected to the newly created IXPN exchange point in Ikeja, Lagos. Chief Technical Officer of Vodacom Business Nigeria, Vernon Van Rooyen, disclosed that the real value of an Internet exchange is in encouraging a maximum number of local ISPs to

connect across the IXPN peering points. “With our connection to IXPN we have improved on our ability to connect locally and with a large number of the world’s internet networks directly. This improves latency times and reliability, for all our customers” said Rooyen. He said that as a result of the connection, Vodacom customers can access locally hosted content within Nigeria rapidly, securely and cost effectively adding that “Additionally, with peering amongst ISPs, we will facilitate greater internet penetration and gradually bridge the digital divide existing in the country.”

L-R: Sam Onyemelukwe; Managing Director Trace; Omotayo Otitoju; 1st runner-up Airtel Trace Music Star Nigeria; Jitey Peters; Winner Trace Music Star Nigeria and 1st runner-up Airtel Trace Music Star Grand Finale; and Segun Aderinokun; Head Youth Segment, Airtel Nigeria, during the Airtel Trace Music Star Grand Finale Viewing Party at the Vapors, on Saturday.

Stakeholders to parley over industry constraints, potentials

takeholders in the nation’s telecoms sector have concluded plans to tackle pressing issues in the telecoms sector of Nigeria at an event that will have in attendance corporate organisation in the industry, industry associations and regulators. The event is the maiden edition of the Quarterly Telecoms Seminar Series of the Nigeria Information and Communication Technology Reporters’ Association, NITRA. Meeting under the aegis of NITRA, the discourse “Engendering Local Innovation in the Nigeria’s Telecoms Sector,”will help set an agenda for improved innovation for the industry. According to a statement from the NITRA, one day industry seminar, which aimed at charting the way forward in deepening the level of local innovations development in the nation’s telecoms industry, will hold in Lagos

The event, which will be hosted by Etisalat Nigeria, Visafone, MTN, Airtel, Glo, Zinox, Signal Alliance, MainOne, Computer Warehouse Group Plc, Teledom Group, Omatek, Nigeria Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), amongst others has been endorsed by the Nigerian Communications Commission, National Information Technology Development Agency, as well as the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria and the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria. NITRA President, Mr. Emmanuel Okonji, said the Quarterly Telecoms Seminar Series had been conceived to create a platform for cross-fertilisation of ideas on topical issues among industry stakeholders both from the public and private sector with a view to proffering panaceas to some thorny issues and design templates to leverage latest development in the industry for

growth. “As a body, NITRA’s philosophy is to drive ICT development, through employing a multi-stakeholders approach. As such, we have put this seminar series in place so that, on a quarterly basis, we can partner with key industry stakeholders to examine some salient issues affecting our sector from regulators’, operators’ and end-users’s perspectives,” he said. He stated that the industry had recorded over $32 billion investment, over 142 million active mobile subscriptions as well as over 80 million internet subscriptions till date, and as such it has become pertinent to address issues bordering on local innovations in the industry for the development of the market. “Must we continue to rely on foreign innovations to drive the industry? So, these, among others, are what we expect to explore in this seminar”, he said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Info Tech

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Government Technology

Nigeria ranks low on Huawei index H uawei second annual Global Connectivity Index, GCI, has ranked Nigeria low in terms of connectivity, ICT usage, and digital transformation. The 50 African economies index from the Chine’s biggest ICT vendor stated that to reach Information and Communications Technology (ICT) growth African countries need to develop national broadband strategies to compete with developing nations. The GCI, which launched on Tuesday in Shenzhen, China focuses on a total of 38 variables such as networks, connectivity, computing, mobile adoption, digital economy, service demand and e-commerce to determine the position of each of the 50 nations. The variables are divided across four areas namely supply, demand, experience and potential being measured and analysed. And the 50 countries are listed under three categories namely leaders, followers and beginners on the GCI list.

South Africa and Egypt are ranked number 33 and 36 respectively and fall under the followers’ category. While, Morocco, Algeria, Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana fall under the beginners section of the index – the countries are ranked 42, 43, 46, 47, and 48 respectively. According to Chin Foong Ling, principal analyst for global connectivity, Index Group Market Insight Department said countries with higher GCI scores were also countries with a higher gross domestic (GDP) per capita. “Developing countries have a big gap between the experiences and demand (methodology areas) compared with advanced countries. “Experience in affordability and download speeds, which results in them falling behind advanced countries, said Ling. She added, “When people don’t have a good experience and don’t have enough content we see that in the number of apps downloaded is much lower in developing countries – and all this demand and experience drags nations to a lower ranking.”

Executive director of the board, chief strategy marketing officer at Huawei, William Xu said Africa that African countries can boost their ranking on lists like the GCI and improve their ICT standings stressing, “If China wants to improve their

ranking among developing countries... we need to improve the bandwidth capita by 50 percent and the bandwidth should reach 5mbps.” “So for the African countries the bandwidth and coverage should be further enhanced,” ex-

plaining that what also needs to be considered is whether there is sufficient content for users. “For each smartphone user how many apps are they using? You need to have sufficient apps on their smartphones,” he stated.

L-R; Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Brovo Kim, General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Richard Iweanoge; Head of Operator Business, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mrs Lolade Shonubi, Senior Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Mr Emeka Anasiuydu; Director, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas and Business Development Director, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Daesong Ra at the official launch of the Samsung Galaxy S6 Smartphones in Lagos.

Financial Technology

DHL, Cisco predict $8tr revenue from Internet business

he world’s leading logistics service provider, DHL and Cisco, the worldwide leader in IT, have jointly predicted an estimated US$8 trillion to be generated through new connections over next decade. The duo in a new Trend Report focused on the Internet of Things, IoT, also estimated that there will be 50 billion devices connected to the Internet by 2020 compared to 15 billion of today. DHL and Cisco Consulting Services are also collaborating on a joint IoT innovation project that will improve decision-making in warehouse operations with near real-time data analytics based on Wi-Fi connected devices. Chief Executive Officer, DHL

Allen

Express and Board Sponsor Technology, Ken Allen, said that DHL has a deeply held belief in the positive powers of global trade noting that its Global Connectedness Index(1) 2014 revealed that the overall level of global connectedness remains surprisingly limited. According to him, there is huge potential for countries to further increase their connectedness and prosper through trade, integration and technology saying that “We believe the Internet of Things will be a primary enabler of this global transformation.” The Trend Report, which estimated that there will be 50 billion devices connected to the Internet by 2020 compared to 15 billion today, looks at the potential impact this technological revolution will have on business. The report revealed the huge potential when the Internet and networks expand their connections to warehousing, freight transportation and other elements of the supply chain adding that for any organisation with a supply chain or logistics operations, IoT will have game-changing consequences, from creating

more ‘last mile’ delivery options for customers, to more efficient warehousing operations and freight transportation. According to Cisco’s economic analysis, IoT will generate US$8 trillion worldwide in Value at Stake over the next decade. This will come from five primary drivers: innovation and revenue, US$2.1 trillion; asset utilisation, US$2.1 trillion; supply chain and logistics (US$1.9 trillion); employee productivity improvements,US$1.2 trillion; and enhanced customer and citizen experience,US$700 billion. President, EMEAR for Cisco, Chris Dedicoat said stated that digital have massive implications for business noting that digitisation and the expansion of the Internet of Things is a catalyst for growth, which is driving new economic models and enabling organisations to remain competitive and embrace the pace of change happening globally. “This report clearly demonstrates that digitisation and the IoT will deliver long term efficiencies and growth opportunities across a wide range of industries,” commented”, he said. According to the report, over

the next decade, the logistics industry could unlock higher levels of operational efficiency as the IoT connects in real time millions of shipments being moved, tracked and stowed each day. The report highlighted that “in warehousing, connected pallets and items will be a driver for smarter inventory management. In freight transportation, tracking and tracing of goods becomes faster, more accurate, predictive and secure while analytics of a connected fleet can help to predict asset failure and to schedule maintenance checks automatically.” Finally, connecting delivery personnel with surrounding vehicles and people can become a way of monetizing and optimising the return trip to improve efficiency and service in last mile delivery. For customers, this means DHL can provide an even faster, more reliable and cost-effective service. Commenting the report,Vice President Innovation & Trend Research, DHL Customer Solutions and Innovation, Markus Kückelhaus, observed that The Internet of Things is the connection of almost anything – from

parcels to people – via sensor technology to the web and both Cisco and DHL believe this will revolutionise business processes across the entire value chain including supply chain and logistics. He said that to get the maximum global economic benefit, “we’ll need to understand how all components in the value chain converge and this will require a comprehensive collaboration, participation and the willingness to invest to create a thriving IoT eco system for sustainable business processes. The new Trend Report is another step towards making sure DHL delivers the benefits of IoT to our customers.” Cisco Consulting Services and DHL are now also collaborating on a joint IoT innovation project that will improve decision-making in the warehouse operations through near real-time data analytic based on Wi-Fi location data of selected devices. The solution is based on Cisco’s Connected Mobile Experiences, CMX which uses the high-density wireless network to collect aggregate location data on Wi-Fi connected devices.

Global News

Thursday, April 23, 2015

U.S., UK aim for Deutsche Bank Libor settlement on Thursday

.S. and British officials are preparing to announce a settlement with Deutsche Bank AG (DBKGn.DE) as soon as Thursday over allegations it tried to rig benchmark interest rates such as Libor, two sources with knowledge of the matter said. Deutsche Bank said it was working with the relevant authorities but declined comment further. Penalties are likely to exceed $1.5 billion, the amount UBS Group AG (UBSG.VX) paid in 2012, Reuters reported previously. If negotiators complete the

UK PM, David Cameron

settlement as planned, it could help remove uncertainty that has burdened Deutsche Bank shares for years, but would not wipe the slate clean. The world’s second-largest foreign exchange trader still faces potential claims or settlements over past issues including alleged attempts at foreign exchange benchmark manipulation and alleged violations of U.S. sanctions on Iran. At the end of 2014, Deutsche Bank had set aside 3.2 billion euros ($3.4 billion) in litigation reserves, outlined another 1.9 billion in potential risks and indicated it faced an additional 4.8 billion in mortgage repurchase claims. “The full extent of DB’s litigation costs is unknown,” wrote ratings agency Fitch in a recent note. “It is likely that costs at DB will remain a drag on its future results despite the existing coverage (reserves).” The expected costs of the Libor settlement have increased over the past half-year, with the bank originally expecting to pay around one billion euros to settle Libor claims with U.S. and

UK authorities. After several delays, German financial watchdog Bafin will likely sum up its own investigation into Deutsche’s role in the rate rigging scandal as early as May. The regulator, which has worked independently of U.S. and UK authorities, has found no evidence that key managers of the bank knew about alleged manipulation. Deutsche Bank has already settled with European antitrust regulators over Libor and its euro equivalent Euribor, agreeing to pay 725 million euros. Fines and settlements have been a burden on management at Deutsche Bank, leading to a boardroom reshuffle in October in which auditing head Christian Sewing moved to the board as chief of legal and incident management, charged ed with clearing the decks. The bank plans to decide on a major restructuring as early as this month. It has decided to jettison its Postbank (DPBGn.DE) arm and may sell its own-branded retail network as it focuses on more-profitable investment banking.

New York won’t settle with Barclays soon over FX computer programs

ew York’s banking regulator will not settle with Barclays Plc (BARC.L) over foreign exchange trading in coming weeks unless the deal excludes a probe of the possible rigging of rates through computer programs, the agency’s superintendent said on Tuesday. “There are two options: You can do a settlement in May with a carveout, or you can do a settlement later without a carveout,” Benjamin Lawsky, superintendent of New York’s Department of Financial Services, said after a Dow Jones event in midtown Manhattan. Barclays is among a handful of banks expected to come to terms in the coming weeks with the U.S. Department of Justice and other authorities over manipulation of foreign exchange rates. Barclays is the only bank in the group that is licensed and regulated by New York state. The other banks likely to settle are JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM.N), Citigroup Inc (C.N), Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc (RBS.L) and UBS Group AG (UBSG. VX). Lawsky said on Tuesday it would probably take several months for the agency to complete its probe of whether Barclays has used computerized programs to manipulate foreign exchange rates. Investigators have been trying to

determine whether such programs allow banks to take advantage of clients when pricing currency transactions. In November, regulators fined HSBC Holdings Plc HSBA.L., JPMorgan, Citigroup, RBS, UBS and Bank of America Corp (BAC.N) a combined $4.3 billion for failing to stop traders from trying to rig the foreign exchange market. Barclays did not join that settlement because of issues with the New York regulator, people familiar with the matter told Reuters at the time. It is unclear how Lawsky’s deci-

Computers

sion will affect any upcoming deals involving Barclays. “That’s going to be up to Barclays and up to the other regulators,” Lawsky said. Barclays spokeswoman Kerrie Cohen declined to comment, as did Justice Department spokesman Peter Carr. Authorities probing the foreign exchange market have generally focused on suspected collusion between certain employees over the rates, as shown in transcripts of traders in online chat rooms that led to the November settlements.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Russian economy shrinks 2% as sanctions bite – Medvedev

ussian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Russia’s economy shrank by two per cent in the first three months of this year, the first contraction since 2009. He attributed the shrinkage to the pressure of sanctions and the weak oil price. But, addressing MPs, he said the economic situation was not as bad as in 2009 and was stabilising. He said Russia faced “a new reality”. He said the heaviest pressure had come from “the main political decision last year - the return of Crimea to Russia”. Western sanctions were imposed after Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimea region in March 2014, and they have been escalated during the fighting in eastern Ukraine, where Moscow is backing separatist forces. He compared the significance to Russia of the return of Crimea to “the reunification of Germany or the return to China of Hong Kong and Macao”. Mr. Medvedev said sanctions resulting from this were causing significant economic problems. He estimated that losses as a result of sanctions had dented income from some foreign exports by 25bn euro (£18bn; $26.7bn), 1.5 per cent of gross domestic product, a figure he said could “increase several times” this year.

Medvedev

Last year, the rouble collapsed in value, causing import prices to shoot up and exports income to shrink. The situation was heightened by a deep fall in the price of oil, on which the Russian economy is highly dependent. The country’s central bank has predicted the economy could shrink by up to four per cent this year if oil stays at about $50 a barrel. But Mr. Medvedev said Russia could cope, even if economic conditions deteriorated further: “If external pressure intensifies, and oil prices remain at an extremely low level for a long time, we will have to develop in a new economic reality. “I am convinced that we will be able to live even in such a reality. The experience of the recent period has shown that we have learnt how to do this.”

ZEW: Global woes rattle German investors

nvestor sentiment in Germany has shown an unexpected fall after rising steadily for the past five months, a closely watched survey has indicated. The ZEW indicator of economic sentiment showed confidence among German investors fell to 53.3 points this month, from 54.8 in March. However, analysts said there was no cause for concern. ZEW president Clemens Fuest said Germany was in “good shape”, but the weak global economy could hit exports. The index was based on the responses of 238 investment analysts between 7 and 20 April. Economists at the Mannheimbased institute said the investors surveyed expected a “very good situation” to continue for at least the next half-year, adding that German private consumption would strengthen further, but were concerned about Greece’s debt crisis as a factor in investors’ weaker expectations. The German government plans

to raise its growth forecast for the economy, Europe’s biggest, to 1.8 per cent this year, up from its current estimate of 1.5 per cent. Berenberg Bank economist Holger Schmieding said: “Strong tailwinds from a robust labour market, low oil prices and a competitively priced exchange rate, as well as the reform successes in countries such as Spain, are propelling the German economy forward.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Brands & Marketing

Brands’ Marketing: Ripping off unwary consumers through spurious promos Nigeria is awash with different kinds of sales promotions, but the big question to ask is, how many of these sizzling promos are genuine? DAVID AUDU takes a look at some of them and their tendencies to swindle consumers.

ales promotion as a marketing tool is as old as marketing itself. Brands over time have used it to lure and boost sales of products and services. Sales promotion is needed to attract new customers, to hold present customers, to counteract competition, and to take advantage of opportunities that are revealed by market research. Sale promotions often come in the form of discounts. The two most common discounts are price discounts and bonus packs. Price discounts are the reduction of an original sale by a certain percentage while bonus packs are deals in which the consumer receives more for the original price. Many companies present different forms of discounts in advertisements, hoping to convince consumers to buy their products. With Nigeria smarting from the recently rebased economy, it no doubt is Africa’s largest economy, and therefore, players in the economy employ every marketing gimmick to capture market share. This is more pronounced by playersin the fast moving consumer goods, FMCG. These players deploy promotion as a marketing technique to boost sales for a product over a defined period of time.However, consumers appreciate intelligent and honest added value promotion when they engage with their brands. This is why consumers are getting worried when brands engage in deceptive promotion at the detriment of the consumers.

CPC DG Mrs. Dupe Atoki

APCON Chairman, Udeme Ufot

INVESTIGATION ON THE COMPANY WEBSITE REVEALS NOTHING OF THE PROMO AND THE EXISTENCE OF ANY REDEMPTION CENTER National Mirror investigation have shown that some brands in the FMCG categories and some in the telecommunications have in recent times taken consumers for a ride. There are report of an ongoing promo by a popular manufacturer of a carbonated apple drink based in Lagos where it promise to give consumers one free bottle for the purchase of one carton. The promotion is written clearly on the pack, with the expectation that anytime someone buys the pack one bottle is give out free. Those expectations however are

being dashed as most consumers complain that the free bottles of the product are just empty promises. Retailers who display and sell these packs of the apple drink do not have any free bottle to give out. National Mirror engaged a retailer to find out why they are not giving free bottle to accompany the packs bought? There were different explanations. One explanation was that though it is written on the pack, the free bottle is given out only at the company premises. A pack of the drink sells for be-

tween N900 and N1000, while a bottle on the average sells for N100. What this implies is that when a customer buys a pack at the stated amount, for instance, he is left to find and locate the company wherever they are in Nigeria to get the one bottle promised. Well, some promos have redemption centers. Investigation on the company website reveals nothing of the promo and the existence of any redemption center. Another explanation by another retailer was that the promo period had expired, and therefore the one bottle promised could not be redeemed. Credible explanation as it were, but that begs the question, why continue to display a promo package when the promo period had expired. When was the promo on and when did it expire; and why are the products so much in every retail shop now more than when the promo was running? A retailer even volunteered to reveal how instead of giving out the one bottle, they reduce the price of the pack. These explanations somehow are contradictory Effort to reach the company management did not yield result as calls were not answered. However, the public relation consultant for the company did answere but claimed ignorance of the existence of the promo. The PR firm promised to respond but failed do so before press in spite of repeated calls to get a definite response. Today, the products are displayed out there with the false promise for unsuspecting consumers.

BlackBerry to buy WatchDox to bolster data security

lackBerry Ltd said on Tuesday it is acquiring privatelyheld U.S. tech company WatchDox, which makes software that secures files for clients ranging from private equity firms to Hollywood studios, in a bid to boost its security offerings. WatchDox’s software gives clients control over how their files are edited, copied, printed or forwarded. Network administrators will be able to

revoke access to files, or delete them remotely even after they leave a company’s corporate network. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Wall Street Journal, citing an unnamed source, said BlackBerry was paying $70 million for the Palo Alto, California-based company. Some of WatchDox’s 85-member team is based at its research and development facilities in Petah Tikva, Israel.

“Israel’s widely known as a very innovative security market, and we believe the team there is excellent,” Jim Mackey, BlackBerry’s head of corporate development, said in an interview. “We believe we can use the location as a way to attract more talent and expand our offerings.” He said BlackBerry intends to build up the WatchDox business quickly, and he hinted that the Waterloo, Ontario-based

company would continue to scout for similar tuckin deals. Earlier this year, BlackBerry Chief Executive John Chen said he saw a part of the company’s targeted software revenue growth in the current fiscal year coming from acquisitions of companies that will allow it to sell more value-added services. Chen is boosting BlackBerry’s software and service offerings in an effort

to offset declines from its smartphone business, which has been eroded by competition from the likes of Apple and Samsung Electronics Co Last year, BlackBerry bought Secusmart, a privately-held German firm that specializes in voice and data encryption used by the German government and other customers. In September, it acquired Movirtu, a British-based tech start-up whose software allows us-

ers to have two phone numbers on the same device with a single SIM card. The purchases have helped BlackBerry ramp up its portfolio of services that cater to the needs of its core base of clients, such as corporations and government agencies. “WatchDox is just yet another mobile productivity and secure communication solution that we can put in our bag and provide as part of a compelling portfolio,” Mackey said.

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Millionaires emerge in Lucozade Ribena promo DAVID AUDU

ight lucky winners of one million naira each have emerged from the just concluded Lucozade and Ribena ‘Big Cash Give Away’ promo. The eight lucky winners, Glory Idoda, Henry Oboro, Jude Nwosu, Tomide, Osawe Valentina, Akan Essinwang, Ibe Ejike and James Etukpo were randomly selected via electronic draws which were held at the GSK Head office in Ilupeju, Lagos. An excited Henry Oboro, one of the millionaires expressed his profound gratitude to GSK for fulfilling its promise to reward loyal consumers in the Lucozade Ribena Big Cash Give Away Promo. “GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc is indeed a credible company, am so glad to be a proud winner of N1 million for participating in the promo. I have always bought Ribena for my 20 months old baby and that what was

made me participate. I am happy I won in this promo and I promise to keep buying Ribena for my son for the next 2 years.” A total of 14 million naira was given out as 8 winners of N1,000,000 each and 600 winners of N10,000 each emerged through the 8 weeks of the Big cash giveaway promotion period. The promotion which was specifically designed to reward new and existing Nigerian consumers who purchase Lucozade and Ribena drinks offered all promo participants the opportunity to win the grand prize of one million naira each week. Aigbeme Momoh, Group Product Manager, GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc, congratulated the winners on their big win and explained that the promo was essentially created to reward consumers for their loyalty. Reiterating the commitment of

the company to reward its consumers, Brand Manager, Ribena, GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc, Mr. Essien Ekemini said that GSK will not relent in its efforts to continuously appreciate consumers for their loyalty. Also speaking at the draws, the Chief Planning Research & Statistics Officer, Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Ms. Susie OdieteOnwuka, who witnessed the draw, attested to the transparency in the handling of the draws leading to the emergence of the eventual winners. According to Ms. Susie “We at CPC advocate the use of electronic draws for promos and we are glad that GSK has complied with that process. The transparency and forthrightness displayed at the draws will go a long way in strengthening consumer confidence between GSK and its loyal consumers.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Verve supports Nollywood with Amvca sponsorship

erve International, sponsors of the Best Supporting Actor category at the 2015 AMVCA, has rewarded each of the nominees in the category with a customized Verve card. Blossom Chukwujekwu, the winner of the category for his role in ‘A Place In The Star’, along with the rest of the nominees; RMD, Segun Arinze, OC Ukeje and Yemi Blaq all received customized Verve cards funded with an undisclosed amount. This announcement was made by the Chief Marketing Officer, Verve International, Cherry Eromosele, at the AMVCA award ceremony, which took place in Lagos in March 2015. Verve’s decision to support the Nollywood industry, by sponsoring a category at the AMVCA, was driven by our Verve Truly African, proudly Nigerian Campaign which was unveiled in February 2015. Nollywood is rated the 2ND largest film industry in the

world after Bollywood of India, and employs about 2 million people directly and indirectly, valued at over N500Bn.Verve is very much committed to supporting and promoting African talent, and everything that makes the continent unique. Founded six years ago, Verve was Nigeria’s first ever chip and pin enabled card accepted on all available payment channels in the country. It utilizes the new technology and meets the highest security requirements and standards. Verve remains committed to transforming the African economy with modern e-payment platforms, pioneering the expansion of modern financial services into rural and urban areas, serving as a vital enabler of exchange of goods and services across Africa. Blossom Chukwujekwu, RMD, Segun Arinze OC Ukeje and Yemi Blaq Receive Customized Verve Cards.

GE, Wells Fargo parley over lending, leasing portfolio sale

eneral Electric Co is in early-stage talks with Wells Fargo & Co about selling its entire $74 billion U.S. commercial lending and leasing portfolio to the bank, according to a source familiar with the situation. Other parties may also hold talks with GE about buying the entire U.S. CLL portfolio, the source said. GE is also exploring selling the U.S. CLL portfolio piecemeal and could decide to break the business up, the

source added. The source asked not to be identified because the talks are confidential. GE and Wells Fargo declined to comment. The talks with Wells Fargo underscored GE’s urgency in looking to dismantle its GE Capital business and free itself from the financial regulatory pressures that come with it. GE earlier this month unveiled plans to exit the bulk of GE Capital over the next few years to focus more on industrial manufacturing.

Trebor launches first TV ad

L-R: Minister of Mine and Still Development , Musa Sada ; Permanent Secretary Ministry of Power, Godsknows Ighali, and Vice Chairman, Technical Committee,, National Council On Privatization, Haruna Sambo during a press conference after meeting on National Council on Privatization, in Abuja recently.

Skye Bank sensitises customers on SME mgt DAVID AUDU

ver 200 customers and business partners in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise ( MSME) sector attended the South East edition of Skye Bank’s SME seminar held recently at Onitsha , Anambra State. Themed ‘’Nurturing Businesses for Growth’’, the bank described the seminar as part of its contributions towards developing the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector of the Nigerian economy. While delivering his remark, the bank’s Regional Director, South East I, Dr. Charles Udogu said MSME was an important growth driver in any economy, warning

key economic players in the nation’s polity not to neglect the sector. Dr. Udogu said, “Having identified the gap in the SME sector, Skye Bank organized this seminar to bridge this gap through the Bank’s business seminar series.” Speaking in the same vein, Mrs. Ayo Olojede Head, Small Business Group, Skye bank disclosed that the Bank was coming up with solutions that would help to minimize the cost of doing businesses for small business owners. Olojede however warned that, “If you want to access a loan, there are some simple but fundamental requirements the bank will expect - like a business plan, cash flow projections and basic business skills to determine the viability of the business and ways of partnering with

customers to deliver value.’’ Commenting on the seminar, she said it was organized to enlighten the bank’s customers on areas of managing their cash flow and other areas of business operations among other issues. In his keynote speech, the Managing Director, Dilimson Holdings Limited, Mr. George Umobi, charged participants to confront challenges faced in the course of growing their businesses and c0harged them to seize the opportunity Skye bank presented to them and make the best of it. The seminar was commended by the participants whose questions on different issues concerning Skye Bank Plc and the banking industry were promptly addressed by the bank’s representatives.

rebor’s new TV ad, its first in more than a decade, explains why choosing between the brand’s soft and extra strong mints is a matter of family honour. The spot was created by Wieden& Kennedy London and will debut on TV tonight (20 April). It opens on a teenage boy approaching his father’s study to tell him that, although they have always been an “Extra Strong Mint” family, he prefers soft mints. The boy’s dad – who has an Extra Strong Mint for a head – does not take the news well and crushes his glass of whisky with his hand before letting out an anguished cry. The work was created by Max Batten and Ben Shaffery, and directed by TaikaWaititi, who was behind the camera on films such as What We Do in the Shadows and Eagle vs Shark. “Choose Your Trebor” is the brand’s first TV ad in more than 10 years.

Elena Mallo, Trebor’s senior brand manager, said: “We’re really pleased to be back on TV, supporting this fantastic brand with such a bold campaign. It will encourage shoppers to pick up a pack of Trebor by highlighting its great taste and heritage. “Trebor is by far the market leader in mints and from this campaign we are looking to bring the brand to the forefront of consumers’ minds.” Kim Papworth, creative director at Wieden& Kennedy, commented: “We loved the challenge from Trebor to celebrate Extra Strong Mints as well as Softmints in the same campaign. “Trebor have a history of making memorable minty work. We hope not to disappoint.” Trebor, which is owned by Mondelez, first went on sale in 1935 and the brand’s early advertising used the famous “Trebor mints are a minty bit stronger” jingle.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, April 23, 2015

APRA 2015: PR experts x-ray industry’s challenges prospects

BHM Group appoints COO for digital agency DAVID AUDU

edia and marketing Communications Company, BHM Group has announced the appointment of Mr. Femi Falodun as Chief Operating Officer of ID Africa, its new specialist Digital Marketing firm. Mr. Falodun comes into the role in a management reorganization, which aims to position the BHM Group for the next stage of its growth. ID Africa, is a digital and content marketing agency combining cutting edge technology and creative strategies to help individuals and organisations grow their influence and revenue online with optimal effectiveness. Femi Falodun, prior to assuming the role of COO was Head of the digital department of BlackHouse Media where he oversaw the expansion of the department from a Client Service unit to a Digital Service platform offering a fullservice Digital Marketing package. ID Africa as the successor to BHM Digital, will be overseen by Mr. Falodun in this new role from where he will report to BHM Group CEO Ayeni Adekunle. Ayeni who founded BHM in 2007 says the move is the first in a line of improvements to the management structure of the BHM Group as it continues its expansion. According to him, this is a demonstration of commitment of the

Bam 3 AND 4: (L-R) Brand Manager Goldberg, Mfon Bassey , Yoruba actor, Afonja Olaniyi aka Sanyeri and a Yoruba producer/actor, Odunlade Adekola at the Goldberg Fuji T’o Bam Audition at the Marion Hotel in Ogun State today.

DAVID AUDU

s African communications experts gather in Yaoundé this year for the 27th edition of the African Public Relations Association (APRA) conference, wide ranging issues affecting the continents commutation outlook are expected to be discussed. Themed ‘Africa Trending: Contemporary Challenges, Opportunities in Reputation and Crisis Management’, the conference, will parades speakers and facilitators from all over Africa, Europe, Asia and North America, who will speak on diverse topics as Global Tendencies in the PR Industry, Developing a Communications Strategy, Repu-

tation Management, Effective Internal Communications/Employer Branding, Leadership & Communication as well as Crisis Communication Theory, Case Study and a group crisis simulation exercise. The conference will hold from May 12-14, 2015 in Yaoundé, Cameroon and at the same time the APRA will celebrate its 40th anniversary Speakers will include, the Deputy Chairperson, African Union Commission, Mr. Erastus Mwencha, Cameroonian Minister of Communications, Mr. Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who will deliver the keynote address anda leading international public relations and public affairs professional and former Global President of the Interna-

tional Public Relations Association (IPRA) Dr. Roger Hayes. Also speaking at the conference is Jeremy Galbraith who is ranked among the top 20 influential professionals in the PR field. Jeremy has spent the past 20 years helping leading companies, organisations, CEOs, Presidents, Prime Ministers and regulators position themselves with almost every type of stakeholder as well as manage critical issues. Jean-Léopold Schuybroek is the Founder and Honorary Chairman of the Interel Group, which is a fully integrated, international consultancy specializing in strategic communications, public affairs and association management.

OLX Brand and public perception

he recent kidnap of the Orekoya children posed serious threat to the brand image of OLX. OLX, an acronym for Online Exchange, is an online marketing platform and it has its presence in over 100 countries. The company since commencement of operations has latched on to the internet service and provides opportunities for people to sell items that are unused in their home. The kidnap saga generated serious issues and people disseminated negative information about the OLX brand. One major issue that needs to be analyzed is that OLX as an online site does not participate in the negotiation and delivery of goods or service between buyers and sellers. The brand only provide platform for parties in any transaction to kickstart business relationship. Consequently, it is expedient to situate the current issue surrounding the kidnap saga. Better put, the issue was not that OLX was a fraudulent platform but because its platform was used to se-

cure the house-help in question. It is not appropriate to push negative stories around a brand that has been consistent in providing quality services to its numerous customers. The issue also took another dimension because competitors also saw that as an opportunity to discredit the OLX brand, thereby de-marketing it. The experience of OLX can also be the lot of another online platform. I wondered at the level of negative perception about the OLX brand as if the brand masterminded the kidnap. It should also be noted that any customer who transacts business on an online platform should take precautionary measures. OLX as a brand has also intensified its marketing campaign to reflect this. The terms and conditions are always stated for any potential customer to adhere to, which clearly shows that the brand is aware of likely negative fallout from transactions they midwife. How else would a forward-looking and proactive brand conduct itself !

Brand X-Ray with Ayodeji Ayopo Tel: 08023448199 E-mail: mayomipo@yahoo.com One major thing crisis such as the kidnap saga does to brands is to increase their rating. It can be examined from a positive point of view that despite the bad case of kidnap, OLX enjoyed continuous publicity, the implications of this, is that the brand offers services that meets the needs of customers. OLX provides avenue for customers to experience a service and this was the exact thing that happened. It was only because of the kidnap that the audience tried to portray the OLX brand in bad light. The key learning for OLX is also to ensure that it has a touch point for customers to share their positive experiences of the brand. This is bringing to the fore the

need to properly use integrated marketing communication tools in their right mix. It should be pointed out that advertising cannot do the work Public Relations, Direct Marketing, Activation and Events or any other elements of IMC in marketing and building any brand. Unfortunately, many brand owners are building and managing their brand with the illusion that once advertising is taken care of, all is well. A robust and strategic integrated marketing communication mix is needed for the brand that would weather the storm of market environmental challenges. Every good brand should envisage crisis and therefore expected to have instituted good model of manag-

BHM Group to building and developing talent and fostering a closeknit team atmosphere by promoting from within. He said, “This is part of a longterm strategy to ensure that ID Africa continues to grow and evolve in a dynamic environment by positioning ourselves for the future and ensuring that even without my direct input, clients and investors retain the utmost confidence in the ability of the agency to continue getting results and creating value.” Mr. Falodun moved to BHM after over five years in Marketing and branch operations at Zenith Bank PLC. He quickly established a reputation at BHM as a Digital Media expert with special interests in PR, Digital marketing, Content marketing, Social Media strategy, Corporate Communications and Brand Management while serving as the Digital Team Lead. In this role, he developed digital strategies and executed PR and Communication projects for a number of notable clients including Star Lager, Gulder, Fayrouz, Viacom International Media Networks, Heineken, Etisalat, Interswitch and the Nigerian Entertainment Conference amongst others. In his new role as COO of ID Africa, Mr. Falodun will oversee the management of digital assets and campaigns of the BHM Group and he will oversee management interfacing between the constituent companies of the BHM Group.

ing such through a well blend of appropriate IMC tools. OLX has not done badly in its response to the crisis, one must confess, but the experience should be a learning curve to the brand and other competitors, particularly in their interaction with the market. It may not be out of place for OLX to design a form of after sales service model which should take care of posttransaction experience for parties to a given transaction. Without a doubt, I believe OLX will come out stronger from this negative kidnapping experience but it depends on how it handles it to its own advantage. We should remember that not many years ago, a brand in the FMCG segment had a life threatening experience but because of its proactive and dynamic crisis management, the brand today is a household name in the country. OLX should not therefore allow the kidnap saga thwart its operations and offerings. I wish OLX well.

Insight

Thursday, April 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Intervention Funds as B

y concept and design, an intervention fund is a specially packaged palliative by a government or an organisation for fixing some operational weaknesses in its target sector or area and by so doing, strengthening it for operational efficiency on a sustainable basis. In most cases, governments and agencies, including development partners and multilateral institutions design intervention funds as a financial remediation strategy and the adoption of which is considered crucial to give financial lifeline to ailing or terribly distressed corporate or public entities in most economies. Barely applied in most developed economies where policy frameworks and governance systems assure operational efficiency for corporate and public entities in most cases, except for application as remedial and impact-mitigating packages during natural or human disaster occurrence; intervention funds for developing economies have become a key component of public finance as the governments always use them to make up for policy ineptitude or political failures. For Nigeria, intervention funds have over the past decade remained one of the major features of public finance as policy failures continue to expose key sectors of the economy to operational whirlwinds with the attendant implications for corporate failures and governance inefficiencies at all levels. A cursory appraisal of the nation’s intervention funds trajectory over the past five years indicated that over N4trillion may have been deployed to key sectors with nothing to show in terms of value-addition for such monetary policy initiatives in most of the sectors that benefitted from the Federal Government’s largesse. If anything at all, the impacts are better seen from the statistical figures being reeled out by the government from time to time to justify the necessity of such initiatives than from their grassroots-oriented socio-economic impacts. For instance, investigations by National Mirror indicated that about a whopping N1.74tn was deployed by the outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration between 2010 and 2012 and another tranche of over N700billion released between 2013 and last year. Some of the intervention funds include, the N300bn Power and Airline Intervention Fund, the N200bn Small and Medium Guarantee Scheme; N200bn Restructuring and Refinancing Facility Scheme; the N75bn Grooming Enterprise Leaders Business Intervention Fund; N10.71bn Commercial Agriculture Credit Guarantee Scheme to six banks by the Central Bank of Nigeria; and the N32bn Entertainment Intervention Fund. Others are the Nigerian Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), N75bn take-off grant; the N300bn Hotel and Leisure sub-sector Fund in 2012; N200bn indigenous pharmaceutical companies’ support fund and N100bn textile industry bailout package.

In the face of runaway unemployment in Nigeria, the Federal Government has had to intervene in key sectors of the economy, with a view to reviving comatose industries. But TOLA AKINMUTIMI writes that not much has been achieved in revamping the moribund industries because allocated funds are either not being accessed by the stakeholders or being mismanaged by government agencies.

Kaduna extile Industry not operating at full installed capacity

These interventions exclude the Federal Government’s N126.1bn Export Expansion Grant (EEG) between 2010 and 2012 as well as the disbursement in 2010 of about N7.9bn to 25 companies from the National Automotive Fund for the production of vehicles, motorcycles and bicycle tyres and accessories Similar interventions are N94m disbursed to 125 communities in Bayelsa State in September, 2011, for self-help projects under the Universal Basic Education (UBEC) Fund the approved N330m grant to 20,000 farmers in Lagos State and a soft loan worth N9.4m to the Nigeria Cassava Growers Association, Nasarawa State chapter both in 2012; and the N95.653bn grant to public tertiary institutions through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) among others. Despite government’s justification of the funding mechanisms, analysts are consensual in their views that even if such interventions have worked efficiently in other climes, the same could not be said of the Nigerian experience, given the policy regime flaws that characterised the disbursements as well as opaque tendencies in the entire management processes. Reflecting on the impact of the funds,

the immediate past President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. Ademola Ajayi, noted that the intervention funds were faced with the problem of accessibility occasioned by the almost impossible conditions set for potential beneficiaries across the broad spectrum of the economy. Ajayi, who specifically cited the N100bn textile intervention fund as example, pointed out that despite the measure, less than 25 per cent of textile manufacturers were operating above 50 per cent capacity utilisation. Other analysts have picked holes in the implementation modalities of the various funds, noting that achieving the success of any of them would require tinkering with the conditions for accessing them plugging all areas from which they could leak into private pockets like similar funds. For instance, an aviation industry analyst, Mr. Chris Adekanmbi, decried the mismanagement of the funds, adding that despite the intervention funds accessed by the carriers, it did not show in their operations, particularly given the fiscal, infrastructure and other operational constraints they experienced in the drive to revitalise the operations of the airlines.

INTERVENTION FUNDS FOR DEVELOPING ECONOMIES HAVE BECOME A KEY COMPONENT OF PUBLIC FINANCE AS GOVERNMENTS ALWAYS USE THEM TO MAKE UP FOR POLICY INEPTITUDE OR POLITICAL FAILURES

Saddened by the state of the industry after the intervention, Adekanmbi called on the National Assembly to immediately convene a public hearing on the matter with a view to investigating how the money was disbursed to airlines and what the funds were expended on. According to him, there are lots of intrigues about the fund, querying how an airline could ask for N5bn and the banks removed 60 per cent from that amount over debt. He wondered what use would that amount be for an airline that is distressed? Apart from what analysts see as secrecy in disbursement of funds, the delay of the relevant agencies to release guidelines for disbursement has also been identified as a major flaw in the initiative that as experiences continue to show, has not made the economy and the country to enjoy the potential benefits for sustainable national development. Curiously, an insight into the mismanagement of the intervention funds was provided last year by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, which raised the alarm over alleged missing of N44bn from Special Intervention Fund on Solid Minerals. The committee, which alleged that the CBN could not properly account for the amount out of the total figure of N873bn approved between 2002 and 2012, noted that despite the fact that the fund was created to develop the non-oil sector of the nation’s economy, no single project had been executed in the sector through its window and called into question the need for such monetary measures. The Senator Ahmad Lawan-led committee claimed that rather than disburse

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insight

Thursday, April 23, 2015

public finance drainpipes

President Jonathan

OVER N4 TRILLION MAY HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED TO KEY SECTORS WITH NOTHING TO SHOW

IN TERMS OF VALUEADDITION FOR SUCH MONETARY POLICY INITIATIVES IN MOST OF THE SECTORS THAT BENEFITTED

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S

FROM THE

LARGESSE funds to the fund-strapped sector, part of the funds had been used to finance projects in other sectors. Piqued by the worrisome findings, the Miners Association of Nigeria called on the Federal Government to stop allocating money meant for solid minerals development to special intervention fund on solid minerals. The association’s National President, Alhaji Sani Shehu, said that there was “no basis for the Federal Government to keep sending money meant for development of solid minerals to Special Intervention Fund, when the Solid Minerals Commission, the body meant to carry out functions in respect of development of the nation’s solid minerals, is in existence.” The solid minerals group’s frustrations may not be totally different from those in other sectors as disbursements of the critical funds are done only by claims of gov-

Emefiele, CBN Governor

• • • • • • • • • • •

Aganga, Minister of Industry & Investment

N300bn Power and Airline Intervention Fund N200bn Small and Medium Guarantee Scheme N200bn Restructuring and Refinancing Facility Scheme N75bn Grooming Enterprise Leaders Business Intervention Fund N32bn Entertainment Intervention Fund N10.71bn Commercial Agriculture Credit Guarantee Scheme N300bn Hotel and Leisure Sub-sector Fund N200bn Indigenous Pharmaceutical Companies’ Support Fund N100bn Textile Industry Bailout Package N126.1bn Export Expansion Grant N300bn Real Sector Support Facility ernment officials in the news media than actually making them available to beneficiaries on time. For instance, despite the release of guidelines for accessing the N300bn Real Sector Support Facility (RSSF) by the CBN early this year, the disbursement to the targeted Organised Private Sector (OPS) players is yet to take off. According to the Director of Membership and Public Relations, Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Nerus Ekezie, there has not been any known beneficiary in the MSME sector since the introduction early this year from the N300bn RSSF. The Director General of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Muda Yusuf, also corroborated Ekezie’s claim that the fund had not been released for disbursement as no member of the chamber accessed it so far. In his remarks, the Executive Director, of Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Mr. Adetokunbo Mumuni, was of the view that it was not desirable for the government to approve intervention funds for private enterprises, especially given the experiences of the past that indicated clearly that such funds may not be utilised efficiently in the long run.

Mumuni said, “If the government allocates funds for public institutions, provided it is properly accounted for, it is acceptable; when such funds are for private businesses, it is not acceptable. Why use the public funds to intervene in private enterprises? It is unreasonable and unjustifiable. “Spending on private businesses sounds fraudulent. Monies have been spent without proper account for them. The government can only give financial intervention, provided funds would be spent transparently and accountably.” In what appeared a tacit admission of inefficiency of the disbursement modalities of most of the funds, the CBN had recently indicated its inten¬tion to undertake an im¬pact evaluation of three of its intervention projects worth N700bn. The funds listed for the exercise by the apex banking institution were the N200bn Commercial Agriculture Credit Guarantee Scheme (CACS), N300bn Power and Airline Inter¬vention Fund (PAIF) and N200bn Small and Medium Enterprises Re¬structuring and Refinanc¬ing Facility (SMERRF). To achieve the goal, the CBN re¬quested for proposals from organisations to conduct the impact evalua¬tion of the three

interven¬tions with a view to enabling it to fine-tune their operations for improved impact on the affected sectors. Even on the latest Nigerian Mortgage Refinancing Company, which is like an intervention vehicle, for the housing sector, analysts have continued to express concern about whether it would create mortgages required to bridge the nation’s housing gap. The NMRC was created to grow the housing sector by bridging the funding gap of residential mortgages, promoting availability and affordability of housing by increasing liquidity in the mortgage market. A Lagos-based mortgage banker and property developer, Rev. Wale Alaka, pointed out that boosting the sector’s growth required more than just establishing the company but also involves strengthening the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), to create liquidity for mortgages based on the volume of the business. According to him, the bank should be re-engineered to be able to perform its duties, saying, “There is great potential in the real estate sector. Money is there and has not been tapped.’’ Founding Partner, Huntingfield Capital Limited, Onye Onwuka, noted that the idea of NMRC was good, adding however that rather than floating the company what is required now is to strengthen and make the existing institutions more viable, rather than refinancing. Onwuka like Alaka believed that the FMBN should be empowered to perform its mandate in housing delivery and real estate development generally. He said: “I don’t know if NMRC’s mandate will be outside what FMBN does. We know that the mortgage sector has been facing challenges, including waning public confidence, and lack of long term funding, but does the coming of NMRC offer a solution?” As the controversy over the intervention funds concept continues to form a key issue in public discourse, particularly among the targeted beneficiaries and finance experts, what seems to be discernible from the position of the stakeholders is that though the idea of providing financial support to needy sectors might not be totally wrong, the disbursement modalities needed to be modified to achieve the funds objectives. Barely one month to a change of guards at the highest level of government, one issue that should attract the urgent attention of the incoming Muhammadu Buhari Administration is how best to make intervention funds, as a monetary option, work better for the economy in the years ahead. Without entrenching the right implementation guidelines, especially those that will help in making disbursement faster than what obtains now and also facilitate transparency and accountability in the processes, the continued disbursement of tax payers’ money without proper utilisation and accountability may be tantamount to creating draining pipes in the nation’s public finance management. *Reports By: Sylva Okereke, Olusegun Koiki and Abolaji Adebayo

Cocktail

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Prison escapee turns himself in 40 years later

man who escaped from a North Carolina prison in 1972 called authorities in Kentucky to turn himself in and said he wants to “make this right.” Franklin County Sheriff Pat Melton said a man using the name Clarence David Moore called deputies Monday to turn himself in and investigators determined he was the man who escaped from the former Polk Youth Institute in Butner, N.C., under the name David Edward Moore in 1972. “I need to make this right and get through this,” Melton quoted Moore, 66, as saying to

authorities. Melton said Moore, who was wheeled out of a house in a stretcher Monday, was taken to Frankfort Regional Medical Centre for examination and will later be transferred to the Franklin County Jail. Moore, who was convicted of larceny and had been scheduled for release from prison in 1978, told authorities he was in a car accident in 2009 in Franklin County, but he avoided being recaptured because he used a false name and did not have any identification on him when he spoke to police.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

Department store hires realistic robot receptionist

Japanese department store introduced the public to its new receptionist -- a lifelike robot programmed to help customers find their way around the store. The Mitsukoshi Nihombashi department store in Tokyo said the robot, dubbed Aiko Chihira, will serve as a receptionist on the seventh floor of the

store from Monday until May 5. The robot, created by Toshiba in collaboration with Osaka University Intelligent Robotics Laboratory, uses pre-programmed scripts to give directions to customers and contains 43 motors to allow her to ges-

ture, blink, move her lips, create facial expressions and make other movements while speaking. Store officials said they hope the robot will draw in customers. Aiko Chihira currently communicates in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Japa-

nese sign language. Developers said they are working to teach the robot Korean. “We want it to be multilingual so that it can be used during the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo,” Mitsukoshi sales director Shintaro Yamamoto told Efe.

Student outraged when ‘Feminist’ removed from picture

n Ohio middle schooler said she was shocked when school officials edited her class photo to remove the word “Feminist” from her T-shirt. Sophie Thomas, an eighthgrade student at Clermont Northeastern Middle School in Batavia, said she was wearing a shirt reading, “Feminist,” when she sat in the front row for her class picture, but when the pictures

came in recently she discovered the word had been airbrushed out of her shirt. “I saw that they had removed the word from my shirt, and I was insanely upset,” Thomas told WXIX-TV. Thomas said she spoke to Principal Kendra Young, who told her the shirt did not violate the school’s dress code, but she decided to have it removed anyway. “It was mine [Young] and

the photographer’s decision to photoshop your shirt because some people might find it offensive,” Thomas quoted the principal as saying. Thomas said wearing the shirt on picture day had been unintentional. She said she had worn the shirt to school and decided to wear it on the day in question after a high schooler made sexist comments during a conversation.

Japan humanoid robot attending to customers at the department store

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Stakeholders agree on transaction costs reduction JOHNSON OKANLAWON

ecurities and Exchange Commission, the Nigerian Stock Exchange and other capital market stakeholders yesterday agreed to reduce the amount investors pay for transactions on the Exchange. Speakin at the first quarter meeting of the capital market committee in Lagos yesterday, the Acting Director General of the Commission, Mr. Mournir Gwarzo said that the committees have agreed to shed some weight to increase transaction in the market. Gwazo, who stated this after the meeting also decried the dormant corporate bond market, saying that the committee are working to revive. He, “The bond market is being dominated by Federal Government Bonds. We are working to revive it and we want the

interest rate to come down.” In March 2014, the Exchange said it has started a process that would reduce the cost of its trade alert by about N1.24 billion, saying that it would be done through the scrapping of the 0.06 per cent charge on every trade on the Exchange and the introduction of an enhanced notification system. Under the new notification system, X-Alert, which became effective in March, a flat fee of N4 would be charged per transaction. The Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, NSE, Mr. Ade Bajomo, had said that apart from the reduced cost of transaction, the new system would effectively keep investors updated about transactions made on their account. He said, “Each time investors buy or sell a security, an

alert is sent to them via a text message to the recipient’s mobile phone or via an e-mail to the recipient’s mailbox. So, what that does is to bring real time notification plus transparency to the market at market rates while safeguarding against unauthorised sale or purchase of securities. “The big difference for the investing community is that rather than pay 0.12 per cent of every trade roundtrip, investors will now pay a flat fee of N4. Based on 2013 figures, the trade alert charges with the old system amounted to about N1.25bn; with the improved notification system however, the annual cost of the alerts would be some N5.52m based on a N4 flat fee – that is a reduction of N 1.24bn per annum in the cost incurred by investors transacting in the market.” The Managing Director, Central Securities Clearing

System, Mr. Kyari Bukar, said that the enhanced service would ensure that messages and alerts were delivered in real time to customers. To ensure that they benefit from the new notification system, Bukar advised customers to ensure that they provide their brokers with up-to-date mobile phone numbers and email addresses. According to him, this will enable the notification system to work effectively and provide timely update on all account transactions. He explained that the new notification system had added benefits such as effective fraud alert in cases of unauthorised transactions on a customer’s account, reduction in time spent confirming transactions and an enhancement of transparency between trader and client.

Equities regain vigour, index rises 0.06%

rading in equities closed on a positive note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as investors’ appetite on stocks improved. The All Share Index appreciated 0.06 per cent to close at 34,529.46 points, as against the ddecline of 0.61 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 34,507.85 points. Market capitalisation

gained N8 billion to close at N11.76 trillion, in contrast to the drop of N73 billion recorded the preceding day to close at N11.75trillion. United Bank for Africa Plc led the gainers’ table with 36 kobo or 6.86 per cent to close at N5.61 per share, followed by Mansard Insurance Plc with 15 kobo or 4.93 per cent to close at N3.19 per share. Neimeth Plc added five

kobo or 4.85 per cent to close at N1.08 per share, while Honeywell Flour Plc was up 16 kobo or 4.85 per cent to close at N3.46 per share. AG Leventis Plc appreciated seven kobo or 4.83 per cent to close at N1.52 per share. Conversely, Ikeja Hotel Plc dropped 44 kobo or 9.54 per cent to close at N4.17 per share, while UB Capital shed eight kobo or five per cent to

close at N1.52 per share. GlaxosmiKline Plc lost N2.81 or 4.99 per cent to close at N53.45 per share, while Livestock Plc fell 12 kobo or 4.98 per cent to close at N2.29 per share. NASCON Plc dipped 43 kobo or 4.94 per cent to close at N8,27 per share. A total of 342.9 million shares valued at N3.49 billion were traded in 5, 500 deals.

NSE, CECP task FG, firms on cancer scourge

igerian Stock Exchange and the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy in Nigeria, CECP, yesterday urged the Federal Government and companies to increase budgetary allocation to the health sector to enhance economic growth. Speaking at the Exchange during cancer awareness in Lagos, the Chairman of CECP, Prof. Pat Utomi, said that healthcare was a priority to economic growth and development. Utomi also raised the alarm over the increasing number of Nigerians dying of cancer as part of activities leading to the upcoming ‘Corporate Challenge’ in Lagos. He lamented that Nigeria did not have facilities that were needed for early detection of cancer and blamed this for poor cancer survival rates in the country. According to him, many

corporate organisations have lost their executives to the deadly disease and this should serve as a signal for the private sector to invest in cancer care and treatment. He noted that the country was losing huge revenue to India each year due to the increasing number of Nigerians travelling for cancer surgery and treatment. Utomi said, “I know someone, who travelled on Wednesday to India for cancer-related surgery. The amount of revenue we are losing to India, the United States and the United Kingdom on medical tourism due to increasing cases of cancer alone. Most times these people still die because the cases are detected late such that even doctors abroad cannot perform any miracle. “Many establishments have lost their founder, top directors to cancer in the last one year. Now is the time for corporate organisations to pull resources

together to enable us to get a mobile screening centre to each state for early detection.” The Executive Secretary, CECP, Dr Abia Nzelu, said that the aim of establishing MCCs was to take the big war against cancer to the grassroots. According to her, over 80,000 people died of cancer annually in Nigeria, and this was, especially as a result of late presentation, poor diagnoses and lack of adequate facilities to manage the cases. She said that one third of cancer cases could be prevented through education, vaccination and screening. In the same vein, Head of Corporate Service Division, NSE, Mr Bola Adeeko, urged corporate bodies and philanthropists to partner in the project of raising funds for the establishment of MCCs. “The fight against cancer has to be collaborative. We urge everyone to be part of this cause. NSE recognises

she has a part to play in supporting economic growth and developing the environment. “On health focus, the NSE supports initiatives that positively contribute to combating issues such as cancer, malaria, HIV/ AIDS, diabetes and hepatitis.

Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

Crude oil price

$58.96

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

N197.00 Market indicators All-Share Index 34,507.85points Market capitalisation 11.76trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

27.00

28.35

1.35

5.00

UBA

5.00

5.25

0.25

5.00

MAYBAKER

1.86

1.95

0.09

4.84

RTBRISCOE

0.85

0.89

0.04

4.71

CUTIX

1.75

1.83

0.08

4.57

GOLDBREW

0.89

0.93

0.04

4.49

CAVERTON

3.14

3.28

0.14

4.46

NPFMCRFBK

1.17

1.22

0.05

4.27

7UP

163.10

170.00

6.90

4.23

NEIMETH

0.99

1.03

0.04

4.04

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

STANBIC

29.00

CLOSING 27.55

-1.45

-5.00

NAHCO

6.52

6.20

-0.32

-4.91

LIVESTOCK

2.53

2.41

-0.12

-4.74

TRANSEXPR

1.29

1.23

-0.06

-4.65

CADBURY

41.01

39.20

-1.81

-4.41

COSTAIN

0.95

0.91

-0.04

-4.21

DANGSUGAR

7.30

7.00

-0.30

-4.11

WEMABANK

0.99

0.95

-0.04

-4.04

UNILEVER

41.65

40.01

-1.64

-3.94

ETI

20.90

20.10

-0.80

-3.83

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

1.32

99.28

13.62

99.43

13.49

15.10 27-APR-2017

2.01

102.42

13.68

102.57

13.59

16.00 29-JUN-2019

4.19

106.74

13.81

107.04

13.71

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.77

110.81

13.86

111.11

13.80

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.89

101.45

13.90

101.75

13.84

10.00 23-JUL-2030

15.25 68.25

15.47

68.55

15.40

Closing Market Prices of April 22, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

23-Jul-15

9.71

9.95

WAUA

270

USD

197

15-Oct-15

12.08

12.82

EURO

214

07-Apr-16

12.62

14.36

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

21.2500

POUNDS STERLING

293

15.7410

17.0013

SDR

273

17.9805

NIBOR

The Fixings of April 22, 2015

Capital Market

Thursday, April 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at April 22, 2015 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Institute urges strengthening of entrepreneurship among youths Stories : Leonard Okachie

overnments at all levels have been urged to strengthen entrepreneurial training programmes in all universities in the country, by inculcating the orientation for entrepreneurship in students at the lower level of the education system , thereby catching them young. The call was made at the 2015 First Quarterly Conference/Induction of the Institute of Entrepreneurs, which held in Lagos recently. Speaking on the theme, “Entrepreneurship as a Desirable Path to Accelerated Development” the guest lecturer and Vice Chancellor, Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU ),Prof. Isaac Sola Fajana said it was coincidental and very pertinent to the collective aspirations for a more affirmative loom towards alleviating economic problems in the nation. Fajana, who was represented by Dr. Dayo Onimole of JABU, was full of gratitude for the auspicious invitation as a guest speaker, even as he stated that his institution (JABU) has a culture of developing entrepreneurial mindset to correct the ravaging unemployment pandemic in the country. Using figures to illustrate the Millennium Development Goals targets and poverty incidence trends, the guest lecturer remarked that the development deficits in the area of unemployment centre largely on how to eliminate the large scale unemployment, especially among youths and women. He stated that development deficits also arise in the following areas of social protection: the criminal neglect of senior citizens welfare; the inability of the state to find meaningful engagement for senior citizens who are desirous of working; inability to introduce unemployment benefits for senior citizens, and others of younger age. Others he said include the neglect of people with disabilities and their unemployment benefits needs; the unsatisfactory pace of the NHIS scheme; the rudimentary nature of child social protection schemes; and the desire of the people for a functional pensions system. On the imperative of entrepreneurship, Fajana explained that the difference in economic growth rates of countries of the world is largely due to the quality of entrepreneurs in those countries, even as he stressed that production factors of land, labour and capital are said to be dormant or indolent without the entrepreneur who organises them for productive ventures. He said the importance that

employment creation via entrepreneurship holds in developing countries cannot be over-emphasized. He added that the basic concept of job creation can be categorized into three, namely: (a) the creation and development of small and medium sized entrepreneurs; (b) the development of entrepreneurial skills by the provision of free management consulting and (c) economic development and the provision of social security. He maintained that in today’s globalized world, the importance of entrepreneurial education has become globally critical, adding, “Entrepreneurship is being seen as the creative application of individual talents, aptitudes and skills to the production of goods and services on a small scale. He therefore suggested that with the potential of ideational endowments for higher educational institutions, universities must continually look for innovative ideas towards resolving the unemployment pandemic. “The need for qualitative education with practical and sound moral content has inevitably arisen. University teachers must therefore aim at not merely imparting theoretical knowledge, but at giving greater emphasis on practical experience in all disciplines, and the development of appropriate skills by their students,” he said. Fajana called for a creation of an autonomous National Entrepreneurship Commission (NEC) to regulate, monitor and fortify the activities of Entrepreneurship programmes and centres at Local, State and Federal levels in the country. He said the commission should be made up of captains of industries, chief executive officers of corporations and academics of

L-R: Chairman on the occasion and Executive Chairman, Eagle Graphic Equipment Ltd, Chief Edwin Igbokwe; Executive Secretary, IoE, Dr. Rotimi Oladele and Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, University of Abuja, Prof. Ernest Aiyedun, at the IoE conference in Lagos, recently.

repute. Earlier in his address of welcome, the Executive Secretary of IOE, Dr. Rotimi Oladele gave a brief but thought -provoking remark on “Belief: The Secret of Motivation.” He told participants that the secret of the motivated person is the ability to BELIEVE in a job, a purpose, a goal adding that there is nothing one cannot achieve if one has the ability to believe. Commenting on the day’s lecture, Oladele charged participants to take entrepreneurship as personal lifestyle from cradle to the grave, citing Cuba as country that has transformed rapidly via national entrepreneurship. He pointed that one of the challenges confronting entrepreneurship in Africa is that many of the African entrepreneurs would let go of themselves, rather they always die with their businesses. Oladele said that the IOE was established in 2001, adding that it is a national non-governmental

professional body set up to advocate, support and strengthen entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs’ development. Similarly, the Chairperson and Executive Chairman, Eagle Graphic Equipment Ltd., Chief Edwin Igbokwe said for a nation like Nigeria, entrepreneurship is the way to go. “We have all it takes in terms of resources to be an independent nation in the true economic sense. This why this Institute should be given all and sundry supports as a driving force of entrepreneurship and SME development” he said. Highlight of the occasion was

the investiture of three prominent citizens as Fellows of the Institute. They included : Vice Chancellor, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Prof. Isaac Sola Fajana; Executive Chairman, Eagle Graphic Equipment Ltd., Chief Edwin Igbokwe and Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, Prof. Michael Adikwu. Dr. Solayide Adeyemo (Mrs.) was admitted into the Institute while old members took oath of allegiance, including award of certificates. Participants were drawn from different tertiary institutions across the country, including stakeholders in the industry.

establish a more positive relationship within the community they belong to Speaking at the event, the Director of Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria, Mr. Kwon Yong Ik noted the workshop was planned as part of the fifth anniversary celebration of the KCCN in Nigeria. According to him, this year’s occasion consists of three events aimed at contributing to the development of Nigerian children. He said: “The first event, Workshop for Children has been held for five days from April 13th to 17th, and involves the participation of 21 children who will be guided to play with their body, rubber balloons, paper, and display what they have learnt from the event. “This will contribute to increased understanding about the benefits of play to children’s education and development, and help children, who are our future, find

happiness in life through the games they play with their friends.” Speaking further, he said: “As many of you may know, in May 2010, the Government of the Republic of Korea established its Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria for the first time on the African continent. The Centre has since been passionately pursuing meaningful exchanges between the two in the areas of art, culture, education, and sports, to name but a few. “This year, to enhance the mutual understanding between Korea and Nigeria, we at the Centre will continue to work hard on our cultural exchange programmes and events, which include expanding our open door policy to Nigerians who are willing to use the Centre for cultural activities such as students, teachers and other cultural organizations, and the Centre’s participation in and support for local events.

KCCN empowers children

Children entertaining their guests at the KCCN workshop.

Joel Ajayi ABUJA

total of 60 Nigerian children including artists and teachers across the Federal Capital Territory FCT, were recently empowered in different capacities courtesy of the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria, KCCN. The joyous event entitled “Let’s

play with Yoo” will for a very long time be fresh in the memories of school children that pass through five days of excitement, educative workshop focusing on the development of artist children’s and their teachers. The five – day workshop which is a theatrical experience will help children to express their views more actively, improve their communication skills, and ultimately

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, April 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SPAN, others organise dance competition for youngsters Stories : Leonard Okachie

reparations are in top gear for the fifth edition of the annual International Dance Organization (IDO) Street Dance Battle and Salsa Showdance Competition in Nigeria. The event which is organized by the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN) and Mountain Dew, holds today at The Oceanview, Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos. To participate in the competition, interested contestants can visit SPAN or access online registration forms on www. spanigeria.org and stand a chance to win cash prizes of N500, 000 and N300,000 in the Hip Hop dance or Salsa showdance respectively. Dancers will compete in groups - minimum of six and maximum of 10 members for Hip Hop while the Salsa competition showcases the best of couples. Winners of this year’s competition will also get an all-expense paid trip to participate in the IDO Championship in Poland come 2016. Executive President, IDO Nigeria, Mr. Ice Nweke said, “We try to bring dance education closer to communities with the Hip Hop and Salsa show dance competition, because the platform will develop creative talents and benefit the youths extensively. Many thanks to Mountain Dew for giving young people unique opportunities to meet their dream dance celebrities who transform their experiences through dance.” The IDO Street Dance Battle and Salsa Showdance Competition is powered by Mountain Dew, a popular carbonated drink made by Pepsi Co. The drink comes in cans and pet bottles which contain carbonated water, sugar, citric acid, high fructose corn syrup, caffeine, concentrated orange juice, other natural flavours, and sodium benzoate for freshness.

Other notable sponsors of the dance competition are SCOA, ITB Construction, Eko Hotels and Suites and Cool FM to mention a few. In 2013, over 100 dancers from different parts of Nigeria participated in the International Dance Organization (IDO) Championship which was held in Lagos with a talented group – Cue Base winning the Hip Hop street dance and the duo of Korede Oyerogba &Nneka Obiorah as the Salsa showdance champions. Furthermore, the IDO’s mission is to harness the population size of Nigeria and create a vibrant community of highly skilled performers, where arts can be exploited and exported to the World through a well-structured medium. The organization will also create job opportunities for youths via dance classes and performance, provide training and education, while certifying Nigerian dancers for worldwide recognitions. SPAN is a registered non-governmen-

Dance doing his thing at the previous edition of IDO Dance Battle.

tal organization founded in 2004 with the Helen O’Grady franchise in schools. It offers different classes of training which ranges from Music to Ballet, Tap, Hip

Hop, Jazz, Creative Combo, Drama, Contemporary African, fitness, Naija Craze, Salsa and Latin Ballroom dance for beginners, intermediate and professionals.

Fayrouz L’Original contest kicks off season 2

xciting news for upcoming fashionistas and lovers of originality as the second season of the Fayrouz L’Original competition kicked off recently. The website is now open for registration for interested participants. This will be followed by auditions in the cities of Lagos, Ibadan, Enugu and Port Harcourt. Like the maiden edition held last year, the competition promises to be an exciting one for both participants as well as fashion enthusiasts. It will feature upcoming

models, designers, photographers and make-up artists from different parts of Nigeria all of who will battle each other to emerge the top team and won N4, Million naira cash prize along with many other goodies. Meanwhile, ace photographer, Kelechi Amadi Obi has joined fashion designers, Mai Atafo, Kunbi Oyelese (April by Kunbi) as judges for the competition while there will be surprise guest appearances during the auditions. Last season winners Team

Elan, have been busy making waves since winning the maiden edition of the competition. The fashion ensemble which boasts the talents of Temitayo Nathan and Toyin Oyeneye amongst others exhibited their designs at the prestigious Lagos Fashion & Design Week last November where they shared the same runway with industry heavyweights like Lanre Da Silva, Maki Oh and the Okunoren Twins. Temitayo Nathan was then chosen by the Lagos Fashion and Design Week to feature

at the International Fashion Showcase at the London Fashion Week in February 2015 alongside Grey,Iamisigo, Kenneth Ize and Orange Culture, and they emerged winners at the showcase. Since winning the Fayrouz L’Original Expressions competition and scooping the $20,000 prize, Team Elan’s fashion and design careers have taken off impressively. The competition is birthed from the Be Original campaign launched by Nigeria’s only natural premium soft drink, Fayrouz.

Football superfans game show debuts in grand style

Cheer leaders at the football superfans TV game show.

uch-anticipated TV game show, Star Football Superfans finally hit the screen recently on Africa Magic with a repeat broadcast on AIT. The show was anchored by popular sports OAP, Mozez Praiz who co-ordinated the fierce battle between the participating teams, Nou Camp and One United . One of the highlights of the show was the ‘Show Your Passion’ segment, that had representatives of the two teams take turns to display their talents in a bid to attract support from the studio audience. At the end of the 30 minutes exciting football banter, Nou Camp, that had Soyinka Adesoye, Ali Umaru, Nelso Apaya, Ewaudu Michael and Jerry Ubaka as players, emerged winner, clinching the N1m cash prize and the bragging right as

Superfans of the week while One United comprising Alade Ridwan, Gideon Saibu, Udeawu Felicity, Akata Elijah and Adewale Olumide went home with the consolation prize of N100, 000. The show was closely followed by celebrity On- Air- Personalitiies, Colin Udoh, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Yaw and several football fans across Nigeria with most sending comments across the social media platforms as the show aired. Star Football Superfans is sponsored by leading beer brand, Star Lager beer. It is an immersive football game show set up to test the passion, knowledge and skills of football fans and reward them in the process. It is expected to deliver an ecstatic TV experience as well over N16 m cash prize throughout its 14 weeks of broadcast.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Media

Thursday, April 23, 2015

NIPR tasks members on high ethical standards

... inducts 143 Stories: Leonard Okachie

he Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has called on its members to consistently uphold high ethical standard and integrity in public relations practice. Speaking during the induction ceremony of the 143 new members, which held in Lagos recently, the Secretary, Membership Service Committee, Mr. Willy Ogbidi urged members to keep to the ethics as well as ensure professionalism at all times. Giving an orientation lecture entitled, “Professionalism &Ethics in Public Relations Practice”, Ogbidi said that the Institute is making effort to maintain the sanity of the profession even as he urged them to always stay close to the Institute. In his stimulating and interactive lecture, Ogbidi explained that the NIPR Practitioners decree No. 16 of 1990 empowers the Council of the NIPR to determine what standards of knowledge and skills are to be attained by Public Relations practitioners. He advised them to always be guided by the NIPR Code of Professional Conduct which is made available to every member, even as he appealed to them to stay active and make meaningful contribution to the development of the Institute. Similarly, the President and Chairman of Council , NIPR, Dr. Rotimi Oladele engaged members in his inspiring and intellectually enriching conversation, giving them practical clues on how to excel in the profession. He reiterated his administration’s resolve to get rid of quacks, insisting that from July 1, 2015 it would no longer be business as usual for those practising without the NIPR’s legal backing. He maintained that the Institute had designed a Master class programme as a window of opportunity for those at the management level personnel, who were practising without NIPR certificate, stressing that the Institute has put in place necessary measures to ensure total compliance. Commenting on the role of public relations in national development, Oladele said that 80 percent of Nigeria’s current challenge is because it has put Public Relations at the rear instead of the front burner. He maintained that NIPR is very relevant to finding a solution to the problem the nation is grappling with. “No foreigner is going to market Nigerian brand for us. There is no way this nation will move forward without the nationals,” he said. Turning to the new intakes, NIPR President said: “You must be proactive

Members of NIPR at a Public Lecture and Annual General Meeting in Lagos.

and also endeavour to be reliable ambassadors of the Institute wherever you work. If you want to be appreciated you have to add value. You must be prepared for entrepreneurship. The quality of your thinking and the quality of your association determine how far you can go.” “For those of you who believe that the

success of PR depends on ‘Brown Envelope’ that is laziness. If you don’t have what the newspapers are looking for no amount of ‘Brown Envelope‘will give your story prominence. ‘Brown Envelope’ happens because there is no longer creativity.” The NIPR President inducted the new

members after the administration of oath after which he gave out membership certificate to them. The induction took place few days after the Institute’s convocation ceremony for the 2012 - 2014 sets, which also held in Lagos.

NET honours NBC boss, Idonije, Jahman, Ojo

irector General, National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Mr. Emeka Mba, respected entertainment writer Jahman Anikulapo, respected broadcaster and music critic, Benson Idonijem and media executive Alex Okosi were among the media personalities that received NET Honours this year contribution to the advancement of the media entertainment industry. They were among a few other recognised yesterday at the third edition of the Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive) whioch held at at Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos, in recognition of their efforts in the promotion and development of Nigerian entertainment. The NET Honours are awarded annually at the Nigerian Entertainment Conference, which is organized by Nigerian Entertainment Today (NET), the premier Nigerian entertainment industry media platform. They recognised media and entertainment personalities for their contribution to the growth and development of the entertainment industry in Nigeria, which cuts across music, film, fashion, comedy, art & design, media & broadcasting and branding. Past winners of NET Honours include music icon Onyeka Onwenu, Nollywood legend Jide Kosoko, street music pioneer, Daddy Showkey, gospel legend, Ebenezer Obey, media mogul Ayo Ani-

mashaun, distinguished moviemaker, Zeb Ejiro and music executive Obi Asika. Others are Don Jazzy, D’Banj, Laolu Akins, Amaka Igwe, OJB Jezreel, Christy Essien-Igbokwe, Sunny Okosuns, Adebayo Salami,Sunday Omobolanle and Tajuddeen Adepetu. Also honoured yesterday include iconic On-Air Personality, Jacob AkinyemiJohnson aka JAJ who has had over 36 years of experience as a broadcaster. Equally recognised is the founder and CEO of Galaxy TV, Steve Ojo who has been involved in broadcasting for 49 years. Others are popular Yoruba movie actor Tajudeen Oyewole (Abija), Corporate Pictures CEO Razak Abdullahi, legendary actor and musician Moses Olaiya (Baba Sala), filmmaker Lere Paimo, Music icon

Idonije

(Lagbaja), Galaxy TV CEO Steve Ojo, renowned poet and actor, Adebayo Faleti and COSON Board chairman Tony Okoroji. Chairman of the NET Editorial Board, Chris Ihidero, describes the NET Honours as a small token of appreciation for the immense contributions made by the awardees to the evolution of Nigerian entertainment as a business and as a culture. He said, “Few things define the culture of a country so closely as its entertainment culture. The overall culture of a country closely mirrors that of its entertainment industry and the positive contributions they have made are contributions, not just to entertainment, but also to national development.”

Mba

Thursday, April 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Falodun’s appointment strategic in our media group –Ayeni Stories: Leonard Okachie

igeria’s leading media and marketing communications company, BHM Group has announced the appointment of Mr. Femi Falodun as Chief Operating Officer of ID Africa, its new specialist digital marketing firm. Falodun comes into the role in a management reorganisation, which aims to position the BHM Group for the next stage of its growth. ID Africa, is a digital and content marketing agency combining cutting edge technology and creative strategies to help individuals and organisations grow their influence and revenue online with optimal effectiveness. Femi Falodun, prior to assuming the role of COO was Head of the digital department of BlackHouse Media where he oversaw the expansion of the department from a Client Service unit to a

Digital Service platform offering a fullservice Digital Marketing package. ID Africa as the successor to BHM Digital, will be overseen by. Falodun in this new role from where he will report to BHM Group CEO Ayeni Adekunle. Ayeni, who founded BHM in 2007 says the move is the first in a line of improvements to the management structure of the BHM Group as it continues its expansion. According to him, this is a demonstration of commitment of the BHM Group to building and developing talent and fostering a close-knit team atmosphere by promoting from within. He said, “This is part of a long-term strategy to ensure that ID Africa continues to grow and evolve in a dynamic environment by positioning ourselves for the future and ensuring that even without my direct input, clients and investors retain the utmost confidence in the ability of the agency to continue getting results and creating value.” Falodun moved to BHM after over

Falodun

five years in marketing and branch operations at Zenith Bank PLC. He quickly established a reputation at BHM as a digital media expert with special interests in PR, digital marketing, content marketing, social media strategy, corporate communications and brand manage-

ment while serving as the Digital Team Lead. In this role, he developed digital strategies and executed PR and communication projects for a number of notable clients including Star Lager, Gulder, Fayrouz, Viacom International Media Networks, Heineken, Etisalat, ‎Interswitch and the Nigerian Entertainment Conference amongst others. In his new role as COO of ID Africa, Falodun will oversee the management of digital assets and campaigns of the BHM Group and he will oversee management interfacing between the constituent companies of the BHM Group. Speaking on his new role Falodun said “I am pleased with the trust placed in me by the management of the BHM Group and I am eager to take on the challenge of growing and managing one of Nigeria’s youngest digital agencies. Although very challenging, it promises to be a rewarding role and that is exactly where I want to be.”

Media Abroad

he Committee to Protect Journalists has released a ranking of the10 most-censored countries around the world. CPJ’s methodology measures censorship by use of “a variety of benchmarks,” including “the absence of privately owned or independent media, blocking of websites, restrictions on electronic recording and dissemination, license requirements to conduct journalism, restrictions on journalists’ movements, monitoring of journalists by authorities, jamming of foreign broadcasts, and blocking of foreign correspondents.” The organization will release its full annual report on Apr. 27. Here are the 10 worst violators of press freedom, according to the CPJ: 10. Cuba Despite much fanfare concerning the reopening of diplomatic channels between Washington and Havana, Cuba remains in the CPJ’s ten least-journalist-friendly countries. CPJ lauds recent improvements, including “the elimination of exit visas that had prohibited most foreign travel for decades,” but all print and broadcast media remain under control of the one-party government. 9. Myanmar Pre-publication censorship ended in 2012, but Myanmar’s media industry is small and under intense scrutiny by the military-dominated government. A new law enacted in Mar. 2014 bans content that could be considered “insulting to religion, disturbing to the rule of law, or harmful to ethnic unity.” For example, journalists are forbidden from broaching the subject of Myanmar’s oppressed Muslim minority, the Rohingya. 8. China The People’s Republic of China remains one of the top three jailers of journalists in the world. In more recent news, a number of foreign correspondents (most notably from The New York Times and Bloomberg News) had their visas delayed or denied in retribution for what Beijing perceives as unfavorable coverage. 7. Iran Iran consistently ranks among the most

10 worst countries for journalists in 2015 prolific jailers of journalists in the world. Additionally, it has one of the toughest Internet censorship laws in existence, blocking ordinary Iranians from accessing millions of websites. 6. Vietnam Privately-owned print or broadcast outlets are illegal in this Southeast Asian nation. A law enacted in 1999, still in effect today, requires that all media working in Vietnam serve as “mouthpieces” of the ruling party. Government authorities reportedly hold weekly meetings with newspaper editors to dictate which stories will run on front pages, and which stories will be suppressed. 5. Azerbaijan The government in Baku frequently orders invasions of foreign-press and free-press advocacy organizations. Officials are also known to concoct false charges of tax evasion, or impose arbitrary evictions against journalists critical of the regime of president Ilham Aliyev. Bank accounts are frozen, assets are seized, and “debilitating lawsuits” are filed. Well-known investigative reporter Khadija Ismayilova was arrested during a widely publicized 2014 crackdown on Azerbaijani journalists. 4. Ethiopia The Ethiopian government launched a systematic campaign of suppression against independent print publishers in the run-up to the 2015 elections, accusing six anti-establishment publications of promoting terrorism. There are no independent broadcasters in Ethiopia (though the US-based Ethiopian Satellite Television is occasionally permitted to air), and the country’s sole telecommunications company, state-owned Ethio Telecom, “routinely suspends critical news sites.” 3. Saudi Arabi Amendments made to the kingdom’s press law in 2011 forbid the dissemination of any media “deemed to contravene sharia, impinge on state interests, promote foreign interests, harm public order or national security, or enable criminal activity.” The law also makes it possible for certain courts to

hear “unchallenged testimony” against accused journalists in the absence of defense representation. Furthermore, the kingdom monitors YouTube content to suppress clips of Saudi women defying the notorious driving ban, which garnered international attention in 2013. 2. North Korea

Newspapers

Pyongyang’s Korean Central News Agency produces nearly all content for the country’s 12 national newspapers, 20 magazines, and various broadcasters. Ordinary people do not have access to the internet, and mobile phones are banned. 1. Eritrea The tiny, East African country snagged the top spot this year—thanks in large part to the policies of president Isaias Afewerki, who has been in power since 1993. State-owned media is the only permitted media, with the last accredited foreign correspondent being expelled in 2007. The last privately owned media outfits were suspended indefinitely in 2001, and nearly all of their journalists were imprisoned. Most remain behind bars. “Eritrea has the most jailed journalists in Africa,” CPJ reports. “None of those arrested are taken to court, and the fear of arrest has forced dozens of journalists into exile.” Internet is only accessible through portals provided by the state-owned telecom giant EriTel.

Norway to switch off FM radio

ome countries are already stepping up their transition to digital radio, but Norway thinks it can one up them all. The nation’s Ministry of Culture has revealed plans to switch off FM radio across the country in 2017, making it the first country to scrap conventional broadcasts. The staged shutoff (which begins January 11th that year) is focused on improving channel choice and quality, according to the government. While there are just five national stations on FM, there’s room for roughly 42 using cleaner-sounding DAB technology. It’s about eight times more expensive to use FM, too, and digital radio is more reliable for getting messages across in an

emergency. There is a risk that the cutoff will leave some people in the dark. The Ministry is quick to note that “more than half ” of Norwegians can already listen to local digital radio, but that doesn’t mean that all of them will be ready and willing in two years. And you probably can’t expect a similarly speedy transition in other parts of the world. With a population of 5.1 million and relatively eager adoption of digital radio, Norway won’t have much trouble ditching FM. It’d be a much more daunting challenge in larger countries, especially in the US and other places where terrestrial digital radio is still rare. - Engadget

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Broad Street Diary

Thursday, April 23, 2015

S Shoppers’ D Guide

‘Suits no longer in vogue’

aking the right choice from the varieties of beautiful female clothes displayed in shops and on the street can be very confusing for most buyers but this can depend on a lot of things. At Broad Street, Marina Lagos, a fashion expert and CEO of Lencarl Fashion, Caroline Chiji, told BSD that choosing the right clothe depend on the occasion the dress is meant for. If the clothe you want to buy is a gown, she said there are those meant for office and those for dinner. “You cannot wear what is meant for dinner to office because you will look stupid in it. If you are considering a dinner gown, it should either be a short gown or a very long gown. But for office, you need something corporate, not sexy or casual”, she said. Again you have to consider the colors, explained Caroline adding that the

colours have to rhyme with the season, the occasion and your entire outfit. “colours also depend on your skin tone and your personality. The summer season colours now are; ethereal Aquamarine, can be paired with Glacier Gray; Scuba

Blue, can be paired with Classic Blue and Lucite Green; Lucite Green, can be paired with Classic Blue and Scuba Blue; Toasted Almond, white, till green and white, yellow. Black has always been there,” she added. For ladies that wants

to know what’s in vogue, Caroline says that fashion has gone back to the sixties. She said it’s now gowns that have balloon hands that are in vogue, block heel shoes, wedges, and pencil heels with pick toes are also in vogue. For those who keep

wearing suits even in very hot weather, Caroline explained that there is now a better alternative. “People don’t wear suits nowadays; they wear Jackets in place of suits. Jackets are lighter, and you can wear it with

a whole lot of things unlike suits that you have to wear with its own skirt or trouser. All of these are available at Lencarl Fashion, be it London, Turkey or America”, Caroline added.

Franka Osakwe

Give your kitchen a new look from Broad Street

ave you just completed your house or moving to a new location and you desire to have a modern and tastefully equipped kitchen? You certainly will need to pay a visit

to Broad Street. You may not have to visit a supermarket or a factory here. Right on the street, in the open space or shops, whether on Broad Street itself or any of the surrounding markets. You

can get the latest kitchen wares or accessories ranging from plates, pots, plate rack, glass cups, wardrobes, flasks, spoons, toasters, blenders, stoves – just name it. Amd they are selling fast.

Ask Mrs. Oyindamola Amusa a dealer. She told BSD that many Nigerians have discovered the market and visit every day to equip their kitchen to taste. The reason, according to her, is not

farfetched. Prices here are far lower than you can ever get in any of the shops or supermarkets outside the island. “Like the big shops, we have all the products here and our customers are

always happy because they can get anything they want anytime they visit our stand. “Because we get our wares nearby and we are not paying huge amount on rent like the shop owners, our wares are cheap and affordable which is why people prefer to come to us.” Another dealer, Mrs. Temitope Olaniyi told BSD that selling in an open space was not really not what she wanted but because she could not afford a shop on Broad Street, she opted for the open space and business is booming for her all the same.On what she make daily, Olaniyi said when market booms she make between N40 to N50 thousand naira. Now she won’t mind moving to a shop to expand her business. “I want government to build shops that are affordable for people like us because when they build shops and the rent is high, we cannot afford it,” she said.

–Saidat Alausa

Broad Street Diary

Thursday, April 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Police on patrol

Traders, shoppers laud govt, banks for theft -free market T

raders and shoppers on Broad Street have commended the Lagos State Government for being able to trade and shop without being robbed off their money and goods while in the market. BSD gathered that before now shoppers who are not smart and not careful were always robbed off their money while trying to shop in the popular Balogun market.“Yes, it was not always very easy coming to shop here some years back because hoodlums are everywhere and if you are not careful right there in broad day light, they will robb you off your money and goods, “ Mrs. Yetunde Abatan, a shopper recounted. She told BSD that in those days, she does not like coming to the market because of the fear of being robbed. “In fact, then I prefer to buy things I needed in any market around where I live, though it was always expensive compared to what I will get here, but at least the atmosphere was peaceful.” Also recounting her experience at that time to BSD, Mrs. Olufunmi Odutola said there was a time that she came to shop for Christmas, but at the end, she lost most of what she bought. “Anytime I remember that experience it makes me laugh because in my case I didn’t lost my goods to the boys that hang around the streets, but to my fellow shoppers who came to the market pretending to come and shop, but rather,came to steal. “If you can recall, you will remember that the streets are always filled with traders, they blocked all the roads

losing their money or goods. “We are indeed grateful to Governor Fashola, he has really change the face of the market, shoppers and traders can now shop and trade with ease and without the fear of losing their hard earned money or items bought.” Abdullai also commended banks for making available Automated Teller Machine at every corner on Broad Street; she said this has helped shoppers to get money easily from any ATM near where they want to shop. The existence of the ATM machines at the different corners of the market and the introduction of the Point of Sale (PoS) machines which enables shoppers to pay for items and services rendered through money transfer from their account on the spot without dealing in cash, has greatly reduced the incidents of stealing or robbery in the market, the banks was commended for this.

Saidat Alausa

ATM

WE ARE INDEED GRATEFUL TO FASH ASHOLA, HE HAS REALLY CHANGED THE FAC FACE OF THE MARKET, SHOPPERS AND TRAD TRADERS CAN NOW SHOP AND TRADE WITH E EASE AND WITHOUT FEAR OF LOSING TH THEIR HARD-EARNED MONEY

and shopper will not be able to work freely on the road, it was while I was trying to find a way to come out of the market that somebody just snatched my bag and before I can look at the direction, my bag was gone.” Another trader, Alhaja Shadiat Abdullai, told BSD that selling in the market was not that secured like what they now have, “most of the shoppers that suppose to buy goods from us usually lost their money before getting to us and as a result, sales are sometimes

low. She however, commended the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, for his efforts in putting an end to such situation by improving security in the market and taking out the bad boys. She said the market is now free from such unwanted visitors that shoppers can now shop without the fear of

JEMTTY Enterprises Wholesaler & Retailer of Exclusive Ladies Footwears, Hand Bags & Party purse (Spainish, Italian and more)

ADDRESS Shop 11, Gbajumo Plaza, 3/5, Gbajumo Str, Balogun, Lagos Island.

Phone: 08034259839

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South South

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Why I won’t challenge Wike’s election —Princewill Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

overnorship candidate of Labour Party, LP, in the 2015 general election in Rivers State, Prince Tonye Princewill, has said he would not challenge winner of the election, Chief Nyesom Wike, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in court. He, however, said the election in the state were neither free, fair, nor credible, rather it was fraught with violence, adding that he and his team were interested in peace and the future of the state. Princewill in a signed statement issued on Wednesday in Port Harcourt said he came out

with the decision after an expanded meeting with his political organisation. The LP governorship candidate, who came third in the just concluded governorship poll in the state, said he would neither align with the PDP nor the All Progressives Congress, APC, describing the two parties as “birds of the same feather”. The statement reads: “It is no longer in doubt that the election in Rivers State was neither free, nor credible. Rather than jubilation of victory or recriminations of a defeat, I and my team prefer to keep searching for peace. “The bloodshed is simply too much and the thirst for even more ap-

pears palpable.‎ After careful consideration of the situation therefore, I and my political associates have decided not to align with either of the other two political parties, but to stand with Rivers people for the sake of peace and long term prosperity. “We see the two of them as birds of the same feather, fruits of the same tree and two sides of the same coin, so rather than add fuel to their fire, we opt to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. “We are also not inclined to go down the road of a huge legal expense to pursue justice in court since a repeat election, if it were to come, may only reproduce an even

bloodier outcome, which will also be the subject of litigation. “In spite of the flaws in the election, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, still went on to announce a winner. “As law-abiding citizens, we cannot stop him (Nyesom Wike), but we promise him we will always be here to remind him that Rivers State must always come first,” the statement said. Continuing, he said neither APC nor PDP were his enemies, but mere political opponents, even as he said people of the state have suffered a lot from lack of jobs and other pressing issues that needed to be addressed.

Ibeno youths protest oil spill at Qua Iboe Eno-Obong Michael UYO

ouths from Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have protested a shoddy clean-up exercise of fresh oil spill from Mobil Producing Nigeria, MPN, at Qua Iboe Terminal. A visit by our correspondent to the Terminal reveals that the spillage occurred on Sunday, April 19, at Mkpank, Ibeno beach, and has spread around its environs. The protesters numbering over 2,000 blocked the entrance leading to QIT, Ibeno, and grounded activities of the oil company for two days. Speaking, President of Ibeno Youths, Obong Friday Ebong, confirmed the oil spill, which occurred at Mkpanak community in Ibeno beach, and urged ExxonMobil to urgently clean up the spill, saying its hazardous effect was harmful to human life. He called on the oil company to stop devastating the environment, saying the youths needed urgent clean up exercise of the oil spill in

the area. He added that the alleged fresh oil spill had caused hardship to the four core oil communities in the area and called on National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, to come to their aid. According to him, the livelihood of people of the area had collapsed due to incessant oil spills. “We are calling on NOSDRA to hold ExxonMobil operating within its territory to clean up the communities degraded by the corporation’s incessant oil spills. “And also ensure that its pays compensation to defray losses suffered by thousands of victims in the coastal areas,” he said. Ebong appealed to ExxonMobil to heed the alarm the youths had raised over the health hazards associated with the spillage, disruption of business and loss of means of livelihood by its members in the coastal and riverine communities. As at the time of this report, ExxonMobil has been under lock and key for two days and their staff remained at home.

Gunmen abduct Bayelsa council chairman

…as kidnappers release Diezani’s cousin Osahon Julius YENAGOA

D L-R: Head, Retail Sales, Etisalat, Taiwo Embassey; Manager, Retail Sales, South-South Region, Nkechi Amadi; Head, Youth Segment, Elvis Ogiemwanye and representative of Vice Chancellor, University of Prot Harcourt, Mrs. Selina Inko-Tariah, during the opening of Etisalat CliqHub at ICT Centre of the institution in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday.

Police arrest 4 kidnap suspects in Delta Theophilus Onojeghen WARRI

elta State Police Command yesterday said it has arrested four kidnap suspects after absconding with the victim’s car in a failed kidnap attempt in Warri. According to a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Mrs. Celestina Kalu, the hoodlums attempted to kidnap one Mr Ngadonye Joseph with his daughter

of almost two years in Ubulu-Uku and pushed the victim and the baby out of the car when they discovered he had no money. Kalu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said the gunmen who fled with the victim’s Lexus Jeep, were tracked down through the aid of car tracking unit by Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Asaba, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. She gave names of the four suspects as Auwalu Abdullahi, ‘m’, Christo-

pher Joseph, ‘m’, Chibuzor Godwin, ‘m’ and Abdul Yusufu, ‘m’. “On April 3, 2015, about 1500hrs, three unknown gunmen kidnapped one Ngadonye Joseph of Okukuokuo, Warri, at Ubulu-Uku road while driving in his Lexus Jeep with marked LEH975AA, alongside his one and a-half-year-old daughter. “The victims were later pushed off the vehicle when the suspects discovered the victim had no money on him and drove

the vehicle to unknown destination. However, on April 18, 2015, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Asaba, investigating the case, with the aid of a tracking unit, tracked and recovered the victim’s Lexus Jeep marked LEH 975AA at Port-Harcourt,” the statement read in part. It, however, disclosed that efforts were on to track down the principal suspect, one Idah aka ‘TJ’, who is currently on the run.

espite the huge investment Bayelsa State government says it invested on security in the state, kidnappers and sea pirates have continued their onslaught in the state. Yesterday, the hoodlums abducted a council chairman, Honourable Anya Abah, in the home council of outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan. It was gathered that suspected dare-devil gang of kidnappers yesterday invaded Ogbia Local Government Area and abducted the local government chairman, while his orderly ran for cover on sighting the bandits with sophisticated weapons. The kidnappers numbering about four had blocked the official Prado jeep of the council chairman and dragged him out at gunpoint at the Otuasega-Okaki road of the council. According to eyewitness, the police orderly attached

to the council chairman reportedly came down from the vehicle to investigate reason for the blockade mounted by the kidnappers, but on sighting heavy arms and hearing volleys of gunshots at the vehicle, ran for safety and abandoned his principal. Relatives of the chairman claimed the abducted council chairman was on his way to the council headquarters to attend a stakeholders meeting on the need for peaceful conduct of the aborted House of Assembly election in the area. An eyewitness told our correspondent that the armed men dragged the council chairman from his vehicle and transferred him into a blue Mazda car and drove him towards Waterside. At Waterside, he was taken to a speedboat already stationed there. Driver of the blue Mazda was said to have been shot in the leg for refusing to follow the gunmen and their victim into the waiting speedboat.”

North

Thursday, April 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Threat to life: INEC Returning Officer cries out JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

university don, Professor Rogkak Gofwen, yesterday cried out over threat to his life by certain individuals using the social media platform under the guise of Rescue 101. Professor Gofwen, a lecturer at the University

of Jos, was INEC Returning Officer for Plateau North Senatorial district during the March 28 election. During the senatorial election, Governor Jang, who was candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, polled 234,455 votes to defeat three other candidates, including his closest rival, Mrs Eunice

Ayisa Sambo of the All Progressives Congress, who scored 221,274 votes. Addressing a press conference in Jos yesterday, Gofwen said since he announced winner of the election, he had been under attack by individuals he said accused him of rigging the election in favour of Jang, a claim he denied, stressing that

he did not rig election for any candidate. Gofwen maintained that the results he announced as Returning Officer was the one agents of APC and PDP signed at the various wards and local government collation centres before they were brought to him as Returning Officer, and wondered why people would hide under

the social media platform to tarnish his image. The don said though he had reported the matter to law enforcement agency, he was able to get identities of those threatening his life through the help of the National Communications Commission. He gave their names as Pirfa Haruna Pen-

zin from Langtang South Local Government Area, with phone number 08037864582; Ephraim Dankyes from Mangu Local Government Area with phone number 08038003801, as well as administrator of the face book page, Rescue 101, with registered sim card number 08068130339.

Govt warns IDPs against returning home orno State government yesterday warned all Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, taking refuge in various resettlement camps in Maiduguri metropolis not to return to their destroyed communities despite the recapture of about 40 towns and villages from insurgents by the military in the Northeast sub-region. It would be recalled that immediately after the just concluded gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections, many IDPs were agitating to go back to their recaptured towns and villages, claiming they had stayed away from their ancestral homes more than necessary and would like to pick up the pieces of their lives as well as engage in farming for this season. The IDPs, according to Borno State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, are over 100,000; and are currently taking

refuge in 13 resettlement camps in Maiduguri and Biu. Speaking yesterday in Maiduguri over the state of IDP camps and displaced persons, Chairman of SEMA, Alhaji Grema Terab, disclosed that contrary to speculations and rumours that the displaced persons had returned to their respective communities after the gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections, none of the IDPs returned to their respective towns and villages in any of the three senatorial districts, affected by Boko Haram insurgency in Borno State. Terab, however, noted: “The only exception as at the conclusion of gubernatorial and House of Assembly election was the transportation and return of Borno IDPs to Bosso and Diffa towns in Niger Republic and other towns of Gombe, Kano, Mubi and Abuja in Nigeria by the state government last week.”

pledged. According to him, aside routing operational engagements of the police, there are two major immediate national assignments that require professional expertise and commitment. He listed the conduct of governorship elections in Imo, Abia and Taraba states, where the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had declared the exercise inconclusive, as one of the immediate priorities of the force. “The second is delivery of hitch-free Presidential, Governorship and Nation-

al/House of Assembly inauguration ceremonies at federal and state levels,” he added. Arase said while he was confident of the operational capacity of the police to discharge its duties creditably, he was not unmindful of the possible security threats that some lawless individuals may attempt to pose during the make-up elections. In his valedictory remarks, Suleiman Abba said though he has changed his uniform, he was happy that his name had not changed from “Suleiman”.

INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

L-R: Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Ignatius Kaigama; Catholic Archbishop of Umuahia, Dr. Lucius Ugorji and representative of Emir of Wase, Mustapha Umar, during a meeting of Justice, Peace and Development Committee of Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa in Jos, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Borno women want 35% slot in Buhari’s cabinet INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

epresentatives of women groups in Borno State yesterday called on the incoming administration of General Muhammadu Buhari to bring more women into his government or, at least, retain the 35% affirmative action for women already implemented by

the outgoing administration. Coordinator of the women and also President of Women, Peace and Security group, WPS, Hajiya Hauwa Ahmed, at a press conference in Maiduguri said in order to achieve equity and equal participation, more women should be carried along in various governments, particularly the Federal

Government. By doing so, women would occupy their rightful place in the society. She said despite challenges faced by the people of Borno State, particularly women and girls as a result of insurgency, women NGOs in the state were still working persistently to ensure that women and girls exercise their choices especially

in education, politics, income generation and productivity. “We also make passionate appeal to the incoming Federal Government to speed up the fight against Boko Haram insurgents in order not to lose the momentum introduced by the current administration to rid the country of all forms of terrorism,” Ahmed said.

New IGP, Arase, unveils operational blueprint …Abba asks for forgiveness OMEIZA AJAYI

ewly-appointed Acting Inspector General of Police, IGP, Solomon Arase, yesterday assumed the reins of power at Force Headquarters, Abuja, promising to focus more on intelligence-led policing. Arase had a strong background in the Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID, from where he was appointed as IGP.

Like his predecessors, Arase said he would soon unveil a strategic police vision document that would encapsulate intelligenceled policing, community partnership, restorative justice, reassurance policing and healthy respect for human rights. Also to be developed are what he described as, “Policing Protocols” to address the challenges of high-level crimes and ensure police professionalism in investigation and prosecution of

such cases. Virtually all former IGPs had during their tenures dumped Codes of Conduct or operational guidelines of their predecessors, spending more money evolving new blueprints. Almost always, such blueprints had no farreaching or marked difference from the dumped ones. Arase, who spoke when he received the paraphernalia of office from his predecessor, Mr Suleiman Abba, hailed the latter for his “exceptional contributions” to the development of the force. He expressed firm con-

viction that if the quality manpower potentials of the Force were blended with purposeful and motivational leadership at strategic level, the lost primacy of the Force within the internal security architecture of the country can and will be restored. “On my part, I can assure you that I will provide the highest possible level of professional and responsible leadership, while trusting that you shall march hand-in-hand with me as dependable professional colleagues to advance the fortunes of the Force,” he

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North

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Bauchi inaugurates transition committee EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

NAFDAC officials inspecting physic-chemical microbiological test analysis of packaged water at the ongoing annual monitoring of water quality standard and compliance in Limawa village, Dutse Local Government, Jigawa, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Pay ex-NITEL/MTEL staff now, court orders FG N ational Industrial Court, Abuja, has ordered the Federal Government to pay former staff of NITEL/ MTEL their final entitlement, representing 20 per cent of their annual salary within 30 days. Justice Peter Lifu, who gave the judgment in Abuja, however, dismissed three other claims by the claimants. The claimants had prayed the court to order the payment of three months’ salary in lieu of notice as their final entitlement. Furthermore, they had demanded payment for loss of office and redundancy in line with section

11 sub-section 12 and 13 of staff condition of service and the existing labour law, general damages and cost of suit. The judge only upheld the demand for repatriation, which is the final entitlement and dismissed their claim of N20 billion as general damages and N10 million cost of suit. In dismissing the prayer for payment of damages and cost of litigation, the judge stated that there was no evidence of suffering, trauma or torture throughout the trial, neither did the claimants show the cost of litigation. On redundancy, the judge refused the demand on grounds that they re-

signed voluntarily and could not be paid compensation. The judge stressed that if the repatriation was not paid within 30 days, it would attract 10 per cent interest. The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, recalls that Mohammed Jiyah and 197 ex-staff of the erstwhile government establishments had filed the suit against the 1st to 6th defendants at the Federal High Court on January 20, 2011. The case was later transferred to NIC in April 2013. The defendants are Bureau of Public Enterprises, Nigeria Telecommuni-

cations Limited, Mobile Telecommunications Limited, Giants Consultants Limited, Attorney General & Minister of Justice, and Accountant-General of the Federation. The plaintiffs’ claims dated back to October 31, 2006 when the management of NITEL/MTEL was taken over by Transcorp in a privatisation deal. In his reaction, the claimants’ counsel, Akenuwa Wilfred, expressed satisfaction with the judgment, as one of the claims was granted. He said the judgment was very detailed, adding that they were going home with something.

Aliyu calls for education bank PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

iger State Governor Mu’azu Aliyu has advocated the setting up of education bank in the country to assist in improving the standard of education and infrastructure development. He noted the need for governors and relevant stakeholders in the education sector to also jointly demand the establishment of the bank that has recently been given legal backing by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, but the legal pronouncement was never done. Aliyu, who stated this in Minna during a visit by

President and members of National Association of Education Executive Secretaries, said establishing the bank would go a long way in helping state government-owned and proprietors of private schools secure the required funds to purchase equipment for their schools. Lamenting the present situation where most infrastructure in schools have become dilapidated as a result of lack of funds due to other contending challenges, the governor stated, “The establishment of an Education Bank will solve this and other problems.” He also challenged education secretaries in the

nation to be more innovative and ensure monitoring of schools and teachers in a bid to enhance the standard of education in the country. Aliyu further noted the need for prompt payment of salary of teachers and non-teaching staff of government schools to boost their morale, arguing that not paying them for several months encourages corruption and indolence. Earlier, the National President of the association, Dr Hassan Sule, commended the Aliyu administration’s efforts in the education sector over the last seven years. According to him, it was for this reason the as-

sociation penciled him, among five other state governors, for an award soon in Abuja.

auchi State governor-elect, Mohammed Abubakar, has inaugurated a 41-member transition committee with a charge to provide new set of work ethics that would restore the lost glory and greater accountability back to government. Inaugurating the committee, which also includes Technical Transition committee at Awahala Hotel, Bauchi, yesterday, Abubakar, who was represented by his deputy-elect, Nuhu Gidadao, said the transition committee consists of 41 members, while the transition technical committee has seven members and a secretary. Among terms of reference of the committees is to constitute sub-committees whose membership may be copied or recommended that would take full inventory of all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, in operation under the state government. Others are to produce a comprehensive summary of total revenue and expenditure of the state government from June 1, 2007 to May 29, 2015, and relate same with budgetary provisions over the period. The committees will also submit detailed report on the state and Local Government Joint fund account and its operations, showing how funds were utilised as well as balance as at April 30, 2015.

The governor-elect congratulated the committees, saying their appointments signify the confidence reposed in them. He said, “The task before you is enormous. It is a task of ushering in a new Progressive government in which there is a lot of both rational and irrational expectations, expectations which have transformed into entitlements. And they are genuine entitlements on the part of our people. “It is also a task of equipping the new administration with the understanding and a good grasp of the key issues and challenges that have militated against the envisioned improvement in turning around the fortunes of our people. “These issues and challenges that militate against our necessary improvement could be operational or structural but whatever it may be, it is surely compounded by the lack of informed knowledge of the problems. It is your task to decipher these problems. It is your task to marshal your findings into coherent, formidable and implementable ideas.” The committee is chaired by Mohammed A. Mohammed, former senator representing Bauchi central, while his deputy is Prof Lara Gambo, former Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja. The members include three senators-elect, Suleiman Nazif Gamawa, Ali Wakili and Isah Hamma Misau.

Fire guts Kwara Energy Ministry, millions lost WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

roperties worth millions of naira were destroyed on Tuesday night in a fire that razed the premises of Kwara State Ministry of Energy. It was gathered that the fire started at eight O’clock in the evening and efforts of fire fighters and other uniformed personnel could only put it out at half past one on Wednesday morning. In all, about 17 offices in

the Ministry were affected. Commissioner in-charge of the Ministry, Musa Abdullahi, while briefing reporters attributed cause of the fire to a suspected power surge from one of the offices, including his own, the Permanent Secretary and offices of directors in the Ministry. The commissioner said it took the combined efforts and prompt response of the Kwara State Fire Service and that of the Federal Aviation Authority Fire Ser-

vice from Ilorin Airport to stop the inferno. Among the sensitive offices affected were the Accounts and Finance Department, Research and Planning department, though that of Energy Distribution and Generation was not affected. The commissioner said, “We discovered it was as a result of power surge from one of the offices. His Excellency has been adequately brieefd. Currently, we are still evaluating the level of damage.”

Thursday, April 23, 2015

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World News If for one reason or the other these people are fleeing their countries to seek refuge in European countries, what kind of an approach is it to sink the ships they are fleeing on? Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Italian PM urges united EU action to tackle migrant crisis

he European Union must take a collective stand to tackle migrant trafficking at its source in African countries, Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said yesterday ahead of an emergency summit of the bloc’s leaders to discuss the crisis. Up to 900 people were feared dead after their boat sank on its way to Europe from Libya at the weekend including many women and children locked below deck, prompting calls for joint action to stop the flow of migrants fleeing war and hardship in Africa. The deaths caused shock in Europe where a decision to scale back naval operations last year seems to have increased the risks for migrants without reducing their numbers. EU officials, worried about encouraging people to make the crossing just as economic troubles in some European countries fan concerns over immigration, have struggled to come up with a response but proposed doubling rescue operations on Monday.

22 killed as Angolan police raid sect

olice in Angola have denied reports that some 200 members of a sect have been killed but they have confirmed 22 deaths, including nine officers. The main opposition party, Unita, says police carried out a massacre in revenge for the officers’ deaths. The clashes occurred in central Huambo province when police raided a camp looking for sect leader Jose Julino Kalupeteka on 16 April. He is accused of inciting civil disorder and is now in police custody. Kalupeteka, who formed his Seventh Day Light of the World church 14 years ago after being expelled from the Seventh Day Adventist Church, has thousands of followers across Angola. Unita and human rights activists say that the Angolan army has now sealed off the area around Caala town.

Renzi spoke as Italian navy and coast guard vessels were taking more than 1,200 migrants rescued in other operations since Monday to ports across southern Italy. One ship carrying 545 migrants, including 174 women and children, was heading to Salerno, on the mainland south of Naples, to ease the strain on overcrowded centres receiving migrants in ports in Sicily.

He said the EU should have a more visible role, with U.N. backing, in sub-Saharan countries where migrants originate, calling on the bloc to make a “long-term investment” in Africa. “We are asking for this to be a priority for an EU that wants to be something other than an assembly of member countries in an economic club, something other than a club of learned technicians that

knows all the geopolitical dynamics and forgets to respond to the pain of our times,” he told parliament. Renzi, who has often urged Europe to share more of the responsibility for handling the migrant crisis, said the latest tragedy had galvanized world attention and was very optimistic that the bloc could now “change tack” on the issue.

Migrants walk after they arrived at the Sicilian harbor of Augusta, yesterday

Court orders Nigerian asylum seeker, son to return to UK

he home secretary must return an asylum seeker and her son to the UK just months after ordering their removal, the Court of Appeal has ruled. The 45-year-old woman and her son were flown back to Nigeria in January. Last month, an immigration court said Theresa May had not considered the “best interests” of the five year-old boy. An appeal from Mrs May’s lawyers against this decision was rejected by Lord Justice McCombe. He said it was “impossible” to conclude that the immigration court’s decision was “wrong in principle”. The appeal hearing in London was told that plans were in place to fly the pair back to London on Thursday.

May

The Nigerian woman was discovered working illegally in a shop in London using a false Dutch passport, in 2007. She applied to stay in the UK and claimed she had been in the country since 1991, but her application was turned down.

The woman then claimed asylum in 2010, saying she feared persecution and ill-treatment in her home country. By then, she had given birth to a son. Her removal was secured and the pair left the UK.

WORLD BULLETIN

Niger Republic closes school to curb meningitis outbreak All schools in and around Niger’s capital, Niamey, have been shut until Monday because of a meningitis outbreak that has killed 85 people this year. A shortage of vaccines to treat the current strain has caused the outbreak to spread, the authorities said. A campaign to vaccinate all children between two and 15 will begin on Friday, but only half of the 1.2m doses needed are currently available. The prime minister has asked for help getting the remaining doses. “For the rest of the needed vaccines, we are appealing to all our partners to come to our aid to supplement the stock of vaccine doses we direly need,” Reuters news agency reports Brigi Rafini as saying on national television. The authorities have warned people against using unauthorised vaccines, saying the doses might be for the wrong strain of the disease, the agency said. For the latest news, views and analysis see the BBC Africa Live page. The health minister says 905 cases have been recorded in seven of the country’s eight regions, but mostly in Niamey and Dosso where it is now endemic.

Man arrested for planning to attack churches in France French police have arrested a man suspected of planning an attack on “one or two churches” in a Paris suburb, the country’s interior minister has said. Sid Ahmed Ghlam, a 24-year-old Algerian national, was detained on Sunday in Paris after he apparently shot himself by accident and called an ambulance. He is also being questioned over the murder of a woman on Sunday. France has stepped up security in the wake of recent attacks on the Charlie Hebdo offices and a Jewish supermarket. Ghlam was known to security services as having expressed a wish to travel to Syria to fight with Islamist militants, French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said. When police arrived at the scene on Sunday, they followed a trail of blood to the suspect’s car, where they found weapons and notes on potential targets.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Thursday September 4, 2014

Sport

Every AFCON qualifying round is tough. The 2017 edition beginning in June will not be any different

Radebe, others condemn xenophobia

–Ghana midfielder, Kwadwo Asamoah

Why NFF set no target for Keshi –Sanusi ...Kaduna stakeholders reject Eagles coach JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has explained why it did not set any target for newly reappointed Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, saying it is to avoid unnecessary distractions. NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, told newsmen in Abuja that any target set for the 2013 AFCON winner might destabilise his plans for the Eagles. “I have always been saying that we should not be talking about target or no target. All we want from Nigerians is to make sure we assist Stephen Keshi to succeed. “We should rather be talking about those things we will do differently from what we had done before so that Keshi will succeed or what we are we going to do to improve on what we have done so that we

record more successes,’’ Sanusi said. The NFF secretary noted that the cordial relationship that now exists between the football house and Keshi is all the NFF needs to get positive results from the team. He further argued that there was no reason to give Keshi target since the Board of the NFF approved his employment following the recommendation of the technical committee. Meanwhile, football journalists and fans in Kaduna yesterday expressed disappointment with the re-appointment of Keshi by the NFF. The coach was re-engaged on Tuesday by the NFF till 2017 after a prolonged renegotiation of his contract and the accompanying intrigues. Former sports editor of the defunct Kaduna-based New Nigerian Newspapers, John Fwah, said the federation’s decision was in bad taste and out of tune with the

Keshi

coach’s failure to qualify Nigeria for the AFCON 2015 finals held in Equatorial Guinea. “I think the Eagles need a more seriousminded coach that will improve their performance,” Fwah said. A Kaduna-based sports journalist, Vincent Akinbanmi, supported Fwah. “When coaches perform badly the way Keshi did the last time, the best option is to let the coach go,” Akinbami reasoned, add-

ing, “I hope the decision will not further affect the backward slide of the national team in the World FIFA monthly ranking.” A trader, James John, said the NFF had demonstrated a vested interest in Keshi. “I don’t think the NFF made the right decision because when you look at Keshi’s last performance, it is below average,” John said, stressing, “Our Eagles have been uninspiring since Keshi took over in 2011.”

Yakmut resumes as new NSC DG EVEREST ONYEWUCHI SPORTS EDITOR

Yakmut

he Director of Grassroots Sports Development in the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mr. Alhassan Yakmut, yesterday resumed as the acting Director General of the Commission. Yakmut’s resumption followed the redeployment of the erstwhile DG, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, to the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation on the orders of President Goodluck Jonathan. National Mirror had reported exclusively on Monday, April 20, 2015 that President Jonathan had directed the sacking of the DG over some power play with the Sports Minister, Dr. Tammy Danagogo that had stalled implementation of sports policies and programmes. But Elegbeleye still hung onto his job

till yesterday afternoon, when his sacking was revised to redeployment, after the SGF got him a soft landing, despite a presidential directive last week to relieve him of his post. It was gathered that Elegbeleye, apart from not carrying his minister along in the day-to-day running of the NSC, also refused to carry out the directive of the Head of Service of the Federation, Mr. Danladi Kifasi, on the replacement of the Director FEAD, following the retirement of the erstwhile, Dr. Bolaji Ojo-Oba. The President who earlier made the mistake of appointing two politicians, (Elegbeleye, a former member of the House of Representatives) and Danagogo to head the sports sector, had approved the minister’s memo, directing that the most senior technocrat in the NSC, Alhassan Yakmut, should take over as Director FEAD, but the redeployed

DG owing to reason(s) best known to him appointed Mrs. Hauwa Akinyemi, in the position instead. Piqued by the act of insubordination the President directed the SGF, Anyim Pius Anyim, vide letter Pres/81/SGF/4/489/36/ HCSF/124/184/MSPT/NSC/59 dated April 15, 2015 to sack Elegbeleye. Also, the President had, while approving the minister’s memo directed the SGF, “The current DG is hereby relieved. Please, post Mr. Alhassan Yakmut as acting DG.” But until yesterday, the SGF was still trying to save Elegbeleye, who he eventually got a presidential reprieve and redeployment. Contacted on the telephone last night, the new acting DG, Yakmut, expressed happiness over his new position and promised to give it his all.

Sports

Thursday, April 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Win over Porto was do-or-die

–Guardiola B

ayern Munich Coach, Pep Guardiola, says the club’s march to the semi-finals of the Champions League was about life or death. The Germans overturned a 3-1 first-leg deficit against Porto, winning 6-1 to advance 7-4 on aggregate in their match on Tuesday. “I know how very important

it was,” the 44-year-old former Barcelona boss said yesterday. “It’s easy to love my players now. I am the coach of extraordinary players. I didn’t expect such a first half. “We can still play better. We lost the ball here and there and we can improve on that. We had a few problems in the second half. They had only a few chances in the second half but

you should never relax in the Champions League.” Guardiola had admitted before the game that expectation at the Bundesliga club was to win the Champions League, and not just settle for domestic league and cup glory. “Now we have to fight. Otherwise, we will not achieve what we set out to do,” the gaffer further said

Guardiola

Radebe, others condemn xenophobia

Rodgers

gets Carragher support L

iverpool legend, Jamie Carragher, says Manager Brendan Rodgers is the right man to take the Reds forward but feels their progress hinges on this summer’s transfer recruitment. Carragher played 737 games for the Reds between 1997 and 2013. Liverpool bought seven players last summer, mainly with the money recouped from the sale of Luis Suarez to Barcelona, but the success of the new acquisitions has been mixed. “Is Brendan the right man? I think so,” Carragher said. “I don’t think your whole future should be

determined by one game. It was difficult with the players that came in and I still don’t think many of them have bedded in yet. “Brendan, the players and the staff will be looking to next season and thinking they will go one step further, winning a trophy maybe and getting back into the top four. “That’s his job. He has to identify where in the team they need to improve; the squad is there and they did a lot of that last summer. “The signings have to be right and if they are it will make a massive difference. If they’re not they’ll be back to where they are this season.”

ne of South Africa’s living legends, Lucas Radebe, yesterday condemned the Xenophobia attacks taking place in the Rainbow Nation. The former Bafana Bafana, Kaizer Chiefs and Leeds United captain, who spent 11 years in a foreign land with the Yorkshire club, posted a picture on twitter which reads, “I was once a foreigner at Leeds.” Through this picture, Radebe is trying to calm down the South Africans by reminding them that he was also a foreigner but was treated with respect. Radebe’s impact was so strong that a Leeds four-piece dubbed ‘Parva’ renamed their band the

Radebe

‘Kaiser Chiefs’ in 2003-in recognition of Radebe’s former club. Bafana Bafana Coach, Shakes Mashaba, also joined in the party, saying that South Africans did not condone the abnormal behavior. “It is something completely wrong and unacceptable,” Mashaba said, stressing, “The bottom line is we are all Africans, and we need to understand that.” Former South Africa international, Doctor Khumalo, also condemned the act. “I appeal to all that we should not allow this to happen in South Africa,” the Kaizer Chiefs legend said, adding, “Whatever the background, we are all brothers and sisters.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Okpekpe 2015: Race owners partner Ecobank

Toriola

he Ecobank Rapid Transfer Service has been named the official money transfer service for the 3rd Okpekpe 10km Road Race scheduled for May 16 in Okpekpe town, Edo State. The annual race, now an International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) Bronze Label Race, will attract over 3, 000 local and international athletes as well as sports enthusiasts from across the world. A statement yesterday referred to Ecobank’s Deputy Managing Director, Tony

Okpanachi, saying the Ecobank Rapid Transfer was best suited for the competition with global reckoning. “The Ecobank Rapid Transfer is an innovative money transfer services available within Nigeria and countries in Africa where Ecobank is present,” Okpanachi said, stressing, “It is our way of supporting this international race to ease the burden of fund transfer for sports persons, schools students, travellers, parents and foreign nationals residing in Nigeria.”

T/tennis: Toriola eyes Chinese glory

will be playing under pressure at the world championships,” he added. “I believe African players will perform so well in China considering that they have done in the world in recent times. “I don’t think any African players can win the world championships for now because we still need to work hard to achieve that ahead of the Asians and the Europeans.”

rance-based Segun Toriola believes he has the quality to cause an upset at the 2015 ITTF World Championships holding in Suzhou, China as one of the experienced players in the Nigeria team. With more than 500 players from 100 countries competing in five events at the one-week tournament holding from April 26 to May 3, Toriola, whose performance at the last Glasgow

Commonwealth Games in Scotland confirmed the quality of the former African champion, also says he is ready to compete with the best. “I have started my preparation for the championships because it is not going to be an easy tournament for any player and my target s to play and surprise many players,” the sixthtime Olympian said yesterday. “That you are seeded means nothing because every player

NNL moves against erring clubs

anagement of the Nigerian National League (NNL) has warned that clubs that are yet to complete their registration formalities ahead of the May 2, 2015 kick-off date will be stopped from participating in the competition. Executive Secretary of the NNL, Lawrence Katken, who handed the warning, said the league body would no longer tolerate late registration by the clubs. “I want to appeal to the defaulting clubs to use the two weeks

postponement of the league to put the papers in order,” Katken said yesterday. “We cannot allow clubs that fail to register to be part of the league even when such club or clubs has or have been drawn in a group,” he added. Katken further warned that the erring clubs would be sanctioned if they defaulted with the directive.

he Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has attributed Nigeria’s current ranking in Africa and the world to team work and commitment shown by stakeholders. “For us to climb five spots to be ranked 73rd in the world and 11th

in Africa is no mean feat,” NRFF Vice President, Tunji Fasimoye, said in a statement yesterday in Lagos. Nigeria ranked 81st in the world and 13th in Africa, prior to the 2014 Africa Cup of Nations 1C. The Black Stallions placed third behind Botswana and Mauritius and quickly climbed three places to 78th after the tournament.

Cricket: U-18 event begins in Lagos IFEANYI EDUZOR

A NNL Boss, Inyama

‘Why rugby ranks high’ PAUL EREWUBA

Ogba

“To have achieved so much since the inauguration of the NRFF board less than two years ago is commendable,” the NRFF official said, adding, “Without stakeholders’ collective effort, such achievements will not have been possible.” Azeez Ladipo has captained Nigeria’s senior team in recent years.

bout 20 cricketers are taking part in the maiden U-18 high Perfor mance Development Programme by Lagos State Cricket Association in conjunction with VAAS Sports Academy and Courtville Business Solution. The programme which commenced on Monday aims to raise the next generation of cricketers in Lagos State and Nigeria while building a strong grassroots base. One of the instructors and for mer Nigerian cricket team captain, Endurance Ofem, told National Mirror that the Lagos team had

dominated in the inter-state tour naments after winning gold at the 2013 National Sports Festival hosted by Lagos. “Lagos state has produced great cricketers like Kwesi and Kofi Sagoe among others,” Ofem said. “Both have played for the country and while Kwesi was a for mer NCF president, Kofi currently chairs the Lagos cricket association,” he added, stressing, “Lagos State and VAAS Academy want to continue the trend.” The ongoing programme at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval will end tomorrow while the outstanding players will be monitored for future tour naments.

WORLD RECORD

Most successful sports movie franchise The Rocky franchise, running from Rocky (21 November 1976) to Rocky Balboa (20 December 2006), Vol. 05 No. 1097 Thursday, April 23, 2015

Father Mbaka was right

ears back, men of God in Nigeria, for the most part, preached hell and heaven. They urged their congregants to live godly lives so as to inherit eternal life, in the hereafter. These days, the pastors, generally, preach prosperity. They exhort us to empty our pockets into theirs, in the name of offerings, tithes and seed sowing, and then go home and faithfully wait on God for our financial windfall. They do not address public morality and do not make Christianity directly relevant to our political circumstances. In contrast, Reverend Father Ejikeme Mbaka, from the pulpit, tackles issues of public morality and directs the Word of God to our political realities. In his intrepid and indefatigable crusade for social justice in Nigeria, he speaks out against the forces of greed and insensitivity in the Nigerian society. In a country where the power elite

he winner of the May 2 bout in Las Vegas, USA between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will be rewarded with a one million dollar diamond and emerald-encrusted belt. World Boxing Council (WBC) President, Mauricio Sulaiman, was joined by former champions Larry

N150

Guest Columnist

TTochukwu h k

Ezukanma

are accustomed to groveling pastors, and pastors shamelessly ingratiate the powers that be and mortgage their conscience for financial rewards, Mbaka’s messages have unsettled and unnerved many. In his 2015 New Year message, he prophesied the electoral victory of General Muhammadu Buhari, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the March presidential election. He said that the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan, would lose the election because, according to him, the spirit of God had departed from him. Jonathan’s supporters, in the characteristic Nigerian fashion of picking quarrels with those that hold alternate views, pilloried him. They hauled the most caustic invectives on him. But then, General Buhari won the election. President Jonathan did Nigeria a lot of good by conceding defeat. With it, he secured the peace of the country and carved an honorable niche for himself in the annals of Nigeria. However, without a doubt, President Jonathan is a bad president. It is possible to excuse his inability to effectively lead our beloved complex and diverse country. After all, leadership qualities, like courage, indomitable will, vision and powerful ego, are innate, not acquired. And, as he is inherently deficient of these qualities, he cannot, even, as a president, attain them, no matter how much he tried. But it is possible for him to be an appalling leader and a marionette of his political godfathers and masters, and still, respect the sensibilities of Nigerians. Unfortunately, he showed utmost disdain for the sensibilities of Nigerians.

COMRADE ABBA

MORO IS VICARIOUSLY CULPABLE OF

MANSLAUGHTER…

LAMENTABLY, PRESIDENT

JONATHAN RETAINED HIM AS MINISTER, WHICH IS GROSSLY UNFAIR AND MOST INSENSITIVE For example, the president budgets nearly one billion naira annually as feeding allowance for his, and the vice president’s families. The president of the United States of America, the wealthiest nation in the world, earns $400,000.00 (about N80 million) annually. From his income, he feeds his family. The US government pays for food and other victuals only for public and diplomatic events at the White House. It is nauseating that in Nigeria, a country with social indexes comparable to the poorest and war torn countries of the world, the president and the vice president appropriate nearly N1billion (more than 12 times the entire income of the president of the USA) annually as feeding allowance. In a country where about 70 percent of the population lives below the poverty level and government employees are, sometimes, owed salary arrears of up to six months, the Nigerian Oil Minister, Mrs. Diezani Allison-

Madueke, spent public funds to the tune of more than N10 billion for her personal air travels. Subsequently, she defied the National Assembly and successfully evaded its probe into that mindless misuse of public money. We can characterize her actions as corrupt, shameless, remorseless and lawless; but what is it about a president that tolerated such mindless waste of public funds by one of his ministers and encouraged her defiance of the National Assembly? He has no respect for public opinion because he cares nothing about the feelings of Nigerians. The Nigerian Immigration Service shortlisted 586,000 applicants for about 5,000 jobs and gathered them, in their tens of thousands, for recruitment tests, at different stadia in the country. Twenty three of them, including four pregnant women, died, and many others were injured in the ensuing stampede. Ordinarily, 586,000 applicants do not get shortlisted for about 5, 000 jobs. Usually, the applications of such a large number of applicants are evaluated and a manageable number of them short-listed for the available jobs. But, as each applicant was bringing N1, 000.00 “application fees”, the more the number of shortlisted applicants, the more money that will accrue to the political mandarins and their business and political cronies. It was the mandarins’ greed, negligence and crass disregard for the welfare of the job applicants that caused the deaths. The Minister of Interior Affairs, Comrade Abba Moro is vicariously culpable of manslaughter. He should have been held responsible for the deaths, and punished – relieved of his ministerial post, arrested, prosecuted and jailed. Lamentably, President Jonathan retained him as minister, which is grossly unfair and most insensitive to the susceptibilities of most Nigerians. In addition, it demonstrated lack of compassion for the pains and sorrow of the injured job seekers, insulted the memory of the 23 dead job seekers, and showed utter contempt for the grief of their bereaved families. Why should anyone with the unction of God not rebuke such an administration? Ezukanma writes from Lagos via maciln18@yahoo.com

Sport Extra

Mayweather vs Pacquiao: WBC floats mega-price belt Holmes and Adonis Stevenson as the belt was unveiled in Mexico City yesterday. Mayweather and Pacquiao’s faces feature alongside Sulaiman and Muhammad Ali’s on the side plates of the belt, which boasts 3,000 miniature emeralds and was voted by

fans in favour of an “onyx” design. “This exquisite masterpiece is especially designed by the World Boxing Council, for a unique bout that is already gracing the pages of boxing history,” the WBC said in a statement yesterday. “In order to appropriately recog-

nise the winner of this titanic and epic event, emeralds have triumphed. “The World Boxing Council is very grateful to the multitude of fans that participated in this process to choose the historic belt Mayweather or Pacquiao will proudly possess.”

Sulaiman

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